Oak Harbor Society unveils historical marker and celebrates oak tree conservation efforts

The Oak Harbor Gary Oaks Society is gearing up for a significant celebration on April 12, unveiling a historic marker at Smith Park to honor the importance of Garry Oak trees in the community. Laura Benninger, representing the society, announced the event during the Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission meeting, highlighting the festivities that will include food, beverages, and exciting raffles featuring unique items like a sustainably harvested live oak edge flight board.

The event will also feature notable speakers, including 92-year-old Avis Rector, a local historian and educator, and Gideon Kauffman, the city archaeologist with ties to local tribes. This celebration marks the tenth anniversary of the Oak Harbor Gary Oaks Society, which has been instrumental in promoting the protection and planting of Garry Oaks in the area.

Benninger emphasized the urgent need for new generations of Garry Oaks, revealing that only 3% of the existing oak population in Oak Harbor consists of juvenile trees. This alarming statistic underscores the society's mission to ensure a sustainable oak canopy for future generations. Over the past decade, the society has planted 620 oak trees across various public spaces, including parks and schools, while also addressing habitat gaps to create a connected ecosystem.

The society's efforts have been bolstered by collaborations with city officials, including City Arborist Bob Bailey, who has helped protect vulnerable seedlings from deer. Additionally, the society has developed an oak mapping tool, SoundOaks.org, to assist the public in understanding and engaging with the local oak population.

As Oak Harbor looks to the future of its urban forest strategy, the society is drawing inspiration from similar initiatives in Oak Bay, BC, to enhance its plans for urban trees. The upcoming event not only celebrates the past achievements of the society but also aims to raise awareness about the critical role of Garry Oaks in the local environment.