Learn about Smith Park in Oak Harbor, WA, the unique Garry Oak Tree, and the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society which aims to keep the “oak” in Oak Harbor. This amazing video was created by talented WWU student Jaya Flanary and narrated by OHGOS President Laura Renninger. Thank you Jaya and everyone involved!
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About the Author: Laura Renninger
Laura is a native of Whidbey Island and grew up with a reverence for the Garry Oaks in Oak Harbor. In addition to being a founding member of OHGOS, Laura is a Registered Nurse and has worked in acute care for the last 30 years. Laura and her husband, Barry, are avid gardeners.
In the early 1990s I was teaching at Der Kinderhuis. I remember taking the kindergarten group to Smith PRk and collecting acorns…we sprouted them, planted them in half gallon milk cartons, and they went home for Mother’s Day…..( more recently I did this in a tribal school with bevy cedars)….I live on Fidalgo, bordering tribal land….I’ve been planting native shrubs and trees on the small bare slope of tribal land just below me…. snowberry, salad, cedar, shore pine, Doug fir …. this morning I woke up thinking I really need to get down to Oak Hsrbor and get some acorns to start! And THEN saw your Post reminding us it’s Arbor Day!!!!! Thank you for being there, I’ve long had/checked with botanists re likely places to reintroduce Garrys on this island and am re-energized by your work!!! And yes, will become a member in person when come down and you are available after this interesting time!!!!
Thanks Elizabeth! I was an early morning/after school student at Der Kinderhuis in the early 90’s, perhaps our paths crossed then! Thank you for your comment, we are so glad that it inspired you. :) When you visit Oak Harbor, we have just launched a revamped Garry Oak tree tour which you can check out here: Oak Tree Tour
In the meantime, we will add you to our email list so that once we have in person meetings again you’ll get the invites to come and join. Thank you and take care!