Southern Oregon Heritage Trees Highlighted as State Program Marks 30 Years

Historic sites in Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Jacksonville and beyond recognized

MEDFORD, Ore. — Several historic trees across Southern Oregon are being highlighted as part of the Oregon Heritage Tree Program’s 30th anniversary, with designated sites in Medford, Ashland, Central Point, Jacksonville, and surrounding communities.

The Oregon Travel Information Council announced the milestone and is encouraging residents to visit heritage trees during Arbor Month in April. Founded in 1996, Oregon’s Heritage Tree Program was the first state-sponsored initiative of its kind in the nation. Since then, 85 trees have been designated across 26 counties, with 79 still living.

The program recognizes trees connected to significant people, events, and locations in Oregon history, many of which remain accessible at parks, historic sites, and public lands.

Local and regional heritage trees include:

Tub Springs Sugar Pine, Ashland

This sugar pine is considered a regionally significant species and is tied to Tub Springs, once a historically popular resting place for travelers moving through Southern Oregon.

McCall Magnolia, Ashland

Planted in 1890 in front of the home of John M. and Mary Elizabeth McCall, this large magnolia was planted in memory of their daughter Elsie, who died that same year.

Beall Black Walnut, Central Point

Oregon Trail pioneer Robert Beall planted this walnut tree in 1864 to commemorate his marriage. Beall later became a prominent Jackson County farmer.

Hanley Farm Willow, Jacksonville

Martha Hanley planted this willow in 1860 to commemorate her son’s birth. The cutting came from the pioneer Luelling Nursery, one of Oregon’s earliest commercial nurseries.

Britt Sequoia, Jacksonville

This sequoia was planted by pioneer photographer and horticulturist Peter Britt on March 22, 1862, the day of his son Emil’s birth.

Lonesome Hickory, Shady Grove

Mary Louisa Black planted this hickory in 1866 from nuts she carried from Missouri along the Oregon Trail in 1865.

Harry & David Comice Pear Trees, Medford

Ten Comice pear trees from an original Harry & David grove remain as a reminder of the company’s role in shaping the pear industry in Southern Oregon.

Waldo Tree at Island Lake

A mountain hemlock carved in 1888 by conservationist John B. Waldo during a trip advocating for creation of the Cascade Forest Reserve.

Mitchell Monument Shrapnel Tree, Bly

A ponderosa pine that still shows shrapnel damage from a Japanese balloon bomb explosion during World War II that killed six people, the only wartime enemy casualties on the North American continent.

Monterey Cypress, Harbor

Planted in the 1850s by Harrison G. Blake, this tree is now the largest Monterey Cypress in Oregon and is tied to early coastal settlement history.

Bombing Site Tree — Siskiyou National Forest
A Coast Redwood planted in 1992 at the site of the only Japanese aerial bombing of the continental United States in 1942. The tree was planted by the pilot involved in the attack decades later.

“Visiting an Oregon Heritage Tree is a chance to engage your senses and learn about local history in the real world – not just in books and on screens,” said Oregon Heritage Tree Committee Chair Dave Hedberg. “All of Oregon’s Heritage Trees are deeply connected to the people of the past.”

The public is encouraged to visit heritage trees and explore their historical significance. Communities and organizations may also nominate trees with documented historic importance.

An interactive map showing heritage tree locations statewide is available through the Oregon Travel Information Council.

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