Sunshine heritage trip to the Oregon Coast: Shore Acres

Posted on: July 1st, 2013 in News & Press |

Part one: Shore Acres Heritage Monterey Pine Tree Dedication

On Friday, June 28th, a group of tree lovers and historians gathered at Shore Acres State park in Coos Bay. We inducted the largest Monterey Pine in the US into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program.

The weather was unbelievable, 80 degres with sparkling sunshine and a light breeze. Everyone was entranced with by the speakers and the legacy and foresight of the botanical-minded L.J. Simpson family.

If you want to see larger images, simply click on the thumbnail and it should open for you in a separate window. Enjoy!

: The new OTE Heritage Tree Plaque.

: The tree has multiple branches that are the same size as a normal tree’s trunks.

: The base of the trunk.

: The mid section of the tree showing an older “pruning” of a large branch.

: At the roots, beautiful native plants grow in profusion.

: The tree is huge.

: The botanic gardens were planted by the L.J. Simpson family at the turn of the century. This exotic lily is near the site of the tree.

: A garden greenhouse specimen.

: Heritage Tree committee members Roger Brandt and Craig Leech chat before the ceremony.

: Ed Washington (on right), chats with event attendees.

: A Shore Acres park ranger with members of the event.

: A friend and David Bridgham.

: Ranger Preson Philips and Craig Leech.

: Committee Chair Craig Leech welcomed the audience to the dedication.

: Ranger Preson Philips speaks at the dedication.

: Nancy Appling (red hat) is a member of the Heritage Tree Committee.

: David Bridgham, Friends of Shore Acres Board of Directors gives a talk.

: A member of Shore Acres Friends shows Craig Leech another point of interest in the gardens.

: Roger Brandt (on right) shows event members the new plaque.

: The audience gets involved following the ceremony.

: Heritage Tree committee member Arne Nyberg and his wife attended the ceremony.

: George Forbes and Richard Engeman of the Oregon Historical Marker Committee attended the event.

: David Bridgham, from Friends of Shore Acres and Charlotte Lehan chat.

: OTE’s Jenn Smith and Oregon Travel Information Council member Ed Washington are happy to be at the dedication.

: The park rangers chat with an audience member.

: Dedication attendees gather at the plaque to read more about the tree.

: View to the gardens from near the site of the Heritage Tree.