400-Year-Old Oak Tree Designated as Historic Landmark

In a unanimous decision by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, the “Old Glory” oak tree in Stevenson Ranch has been officially designated as a historic landmark. The tree, believed to be around 400 years old, was saved from destruction in 2002 after environmental activist John Quigley protested its removal by living in its branches for 71 days. Despite the challenges of relocation in 2004, the tree now thrives in Pico Canyon Park and stands as a symbol of resilience and community spirit.

As reported by Jake Rodriguez, the push for landmark status was led by the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning the Environment (SCOPE), which successfully gathered community support and petition signatures.  Local advocates, including SCOPE president Lynne Plambeck, see the recognition as a meaningful step toward preserving the area's ecological heritage.

While “Old Glory” has been saved, advocates stress the need for stronger protections for other historic trees in the region. They call for more rigorous conservation efforts to prevent the loss of irreplaceable natural landmarks, citing the destruction of other significant trees in Los Angeles, like the Encino Oak Tree and the Wisdom Tree in Griffith Park, as reminders of the importance of preservation.