From Lumber to Legacy

Lumber to Legacy Program

A Benefit for the City of Albany’s White Oak Conservation and Restoration Effort

Purpose- The city of Albany seeks to promote public interest in and raise money for its resource conservation efforts, in particular our Oregon white oak Restoration Program. As the city has grown, this once-widespread native tree species has been reduced dramatically to a few remnant groves and individual specimens. The purpose of the white oak restoration program is to enhance existing Oregon white oak habitat and to re-establish the species in publicly protected conservation areas through a strategic planting initiative and educational activities.

Lumber to Legacy-The recent removal of 8 mature oak trees from the site of a new development in Albany has inspired us to focus attention on the heritage of Albany’s Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) habitat.  These 8 trees were remnants of what was an extensive grove known as the Hackleman Grove in honor of Abner Hackleman, one of Albany’s founding fathers.  The Hacklemans settled on the edge of the oak grove in 1845. At that time several of the trees were already 100 years old.

The eight tree trunks weighed 44 tons and ranged in age from 150 to over 270 years old. Five thousand board feet of quarter and rift sawn lumber and flitch sawn slabs have been milled by students from South and West Albany High Schools with assistance from volunteer sawyers in the community. The lumber is being kiln dried and will become available starting in February 2014. The wood from these historic trees is of the highest quality, with 10-15 growth rings per inch, little defect and outstanding figure and color.

To raise money for white oak habitat restoration effort,the Albany Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with the Albany Tree Commission has sought wood artisans willing to work this historically precious lumber into unique wood products and art for auction or resale to benefit the Restoration Program. We are not seeking buyers for the lumber at this time. Artisans will be asked to create their pieces and donate them without cost to the City of Albany. In return, artisans will be recognized as program sponsors and the value of their contributions will be acknowledged in tangible and public ways. All proceeds from this community driven volunteer effort will be used to enhance existing Oregon white oak habitat and to re-establish the species in publicly protected conservation areas.

Although the sponsorship program is still being developed, a summary of benefits follows:

Tree of Life Member-Level One sponsor (highest level of contribution): Acknowledgement of donation by individual and/or organization name in all printed materials and electronic media used to sell product and promote the Restoration Program, including press releases, media events, auctions, and on-line sales. Level One donor will continue to be acknowledged as major sponsors up to 2 years from the date of donation. Selection of a limited edition print from 2 or more Giclée prints to be commissioned for the program. Tentative sponsorship level: $7500 and up.

Wise Ones of the Oakwood Member-Level Two sponsor: Acknowledgement of donation in all printed materials and electronic media used in direct promotion of product for up to 12 months from date of product donation.A matted and framed copy of a limited edition print will be commissioned for the program. Tentative sponsorship level: $3500-7500.

The David Douglas Club-Level Three sponsor: Acknowledgement of donation in all printed materials and electronic media used to sell product for 6 months from the date of donation. Each member will receive a Framed Certificate of Appreciation. Tentative sponsorship level: $1000-3500.

Acorn Club –Level Four sponsor: Acknowledgement of donation in all electronic media used to sell product for 3 months from date of donation.  Tentative sponsorship level: $250-1000.

For more information or to participate in this unique program contact:

Mark Azevedo                                                   Ed Hodney
Albany Tree Commission                                 Albany Parks and Recreation Director
541 990-4574                                                    541 917-7769

AzevedoM@onid.orst.edu                               Ed.Hodney@cityofalbany.net

For more information or to participate in helping out at the high schools contact:

ChavaNeuhaus                                                     Adam Kirsh
South Albany High School                                  Crescent Valley High School

chava.neuhaus@albany.k12.or.us               adam.kirsch@corvallis.k12.or.us