LOS ANGELES (CNS) – The “Old Glory” oak tree in Santa Clarita is a historical landmark Wednesday following months of community activism and environmentalist pleas.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to give the valley oak tree that stands 70-feet tall within the Pico Canyon Park at 25600 Pico Canyon Road the designation Tuesday. Estimated to be more than four centuries old, the tree gained fame 20 years ago when area activists saved it from being destroyed for a development project in Stevenson Ranch.
When plans for the development surfaced, John Quigley and a group of environmentalists began a campaign to save the tree. Quigley lived in the tree for 71 days in 2002 and 2003 before an agreement was made to relocate Old Glory instead of destroying it.
In 2007, Old Glory was officially recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the largest transplanted tree in the world.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger initially called on the board last summer to give the renowned oak tree landmark status. That move was unanimously approved during Tuesday’s board meeting.
The board also approved a motion by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath declaring the month of October 2024 as “Oaktober” to promote awareness about the cultural and environmental significance of the trees.
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