Directory of community heritage tree programs

Not all of Oregon’s spectacular or historically significant trees qualify for official statewide recognition. However, many cities and counties maintain their own local registries and recognition programs. We hope you will find this directory helpful in learning more about Oregon history and arboriculture across the state.

The directory is organized alphabetically in two sections: city and county. Where nomination forms are available directly on the organization website, links are provided. Many cities and counties offer walking tours or online tree maps, so be sure to check them out before planning your trip to visit Oregon’s community heritage trees.

CITY HERITAGE TREES

Albany Heritage Tree Program, P.O. Box 490, Albany, Oregon, 97321. Telephone: 541-917-7777. The program is under Albany Parks and Recreation Department.

Corvallis Heritage Tree Program, 1310 SW Avery Park Dr., Corvallis, Oregon, 97330. Telephone: 541-766-6918. The program is managed by the Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department. The city has created an online map of their heritage trees.

City of Gresham Significant Trees, 1333 NW Eastman Parkway, Gresham, Oregon, 97030. Telephone: 503-618-2810. The program is managed by the City of Gresham Urban Forestry Subcommittee. An online map and list of all program trees are available on the city’s website.

Independence Landmark/Historic Trees, Historic tree designations have been made by the Independence Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) as trees of significance to the City of Independence. A list is currently in development of notable trees. Contact the HPC liaison for more information and to nominate a tree: 503-838-1212.

Lake Oswego Heritage Tree Program, 380 “A” Avenue, P.O. Box 369, Lake Oswego, Oregon, 97034. Telephone: 503-635-0290. The program is managed by the Lake Oswego Planning Division. A Story Map with the location of Lake Oswego’s notable trees is also available.

Oregon City Heritage Trees and Stands, 625 Center St, Oregon City, Oregon, 97045. Telephone: 503-722-3789. The program is managed by the Oregon City Planning Department. Nomination forms are split into two categories, public and private property. Details about the trees in the registry are available online.

Philomath Heritage Tree Program, PO Box 400, Philomath OR 97370. This program is managed by the Public Works Department. A nomination form and list of designated trees can be found on the city’s website.

Portland Heritage Tree Program, 1120 SE Fifth Avenue, Suite 1302, Portland, Oregon. Telephone: 503-823-8733. The program is managed by the city’s Urban Forestry Commission. Nominations forms may be downloaded off the program website. The program hosts a searchable online heritage tree database on the city’s website. A program 2016 Heritage Trees Guidebook is available as an online download or for sale. Print copies (black and white) are available from the Urban Forestry office.

In addition, a new interpretive walking tour of 10 downtown Heritage Trees: From Stumptown to Treetown: A Field Guide for Interpreting Portland’s History though its Heritage Trees is available for sale or online viewing. This award-winning book, written by David-Paul B. Hedberg, a graduate student in the Department of History at Portland State University through an internship with Portland Parks & Recreation Urban Forestry, connects historic photos to living trees in the city and invites you to explore some of Portland’s oldest living features. Download From Stumptown to Treetown.

Salem Heritage Tree Program. 503-588-6332. The program is managed by the city’s Urban Forestry Department. There is no formal application form, and nominations should be made by writing a letter to the Shade Tree Advisory Committee. The Shade Tree Advisory Committee will review all the nominations and send recommendations to the City Council.

City of Tigard Heritage Tree Program, 13125 SE Hall Boulevard, Tigard, Oregon, 97223. Telephone: 503-718-2421. Tigard’s Community Development Department and Urban Forestry Division oversee the program. An online brochure of heritage and significant trees can be found on the city’s website.

City of Tualatin Heritage Trees, 18880 SW Martinazzi Avenue, Tualatin, Oregon, 97062. Telephone: 503-691-3060. The program is managed by the Tualatin Parks and Recreation Department. Nomination forms and tour guides are available on the city’s website.

Wilsonville Heritage Tree Program, 29799 SW Town Center Loop E, Wilsonville, Oregon, 97070. Telephone: 503-682-4960. The program is housed under the City of Wilsonville Planning Division. A map of current tree locations may be viewed online on the city’s website. Nomination forms in PDF format are available on the city’s website.

COUNTY HERITAGE TREES

Clackamas County Heritage Trees, 150 Beavercreek Road, Oregon City, Oregon, 97045. Telephone: 503-742-4500. The county website does not offer a nomination form, but criteria can be reviewed. If you have answers regarding nomination, please call the Clackamas County Planning and Zoning Department. An online heritage tree GIS map is available for viewing.