What’s so Special About Oregon White Oaks?
The Oregon White Oak is an attractive deciduous hardwood tree native to Oregon, found as far north as British Columbia and as far south as southern California. These lovely hardwoods seem able to withstand both lengthy flooding and drought, and are most common on sites that are either too exposed or too dry for other tree species.
Mature oaks provided an abundance of food for the Kalapuya Indians, who used the tree’s acorns to make acorn meal. It’s now estimated that more than 99 percent of pre-settlement prairies and savannas in Oregon have been converted to urban areas, farms, and other developments. Oregon White Oaks provide favorable habitat to a number of important wildlife types, including the western gray squirrel, which is listed as threatened in Washington and sensitive in Oregon, and to many birds, including dark-eyed juncos, goldfinches, nuthatches, wild turkeys, and acorn and pileated woodpeckers.
Willamette Valley Oaks: Yesterday and Today
The majestic oak is an iconic symbol of the Willamette Valley with a long-standing cultural significance and valuable ecological function. The Rivers to Ridges Partnership recognizes that our remaining oak habitats and the species that depend upon them rely on the active management of both public and private lands. Learn about their common management actions being implemented in Oregon Oak habitats.
Oregon White Oak in Winter
These Trees Tell Stories
Oregon has a vast amount of ancient trees across the state that are reminders of not only the their longevity but as their importance to the environment and our Oregon Heritage.
‘Honored groves, single trees or groups of trees have something in common with one another no matter what the species: they are trees that tell a story; trees that confound and astound; trees that educate both Oregonians and visitors about significant people or events from the past; trees that have survived natural disasters or stand as silent sentries to the passage of time. And that’s only a small part of what makes an Oregon Heritage Tree compelling.’
The mission of the Arbor Day Foundation is to inspire people to plant, nurture and celebrate trees. National Arbor Day is always celebrated on the last Friday in April, but many states observe Arbor Day on different dates throughout the year based on best tree planting times in their area.
In Oregon, the entire month of April is recognized as Oregon Arbor Month, with the first full week often recognized as Arbor Week. Oregon extends the celebration to the whole month to accommodate better planting conditions across the state. The Oregon Association of Independent Inns will take the opportunity to recognizes our unique, magnificent trees throughout the month of April. Many of these trees, but not all, have been recognized as Oregon Heritage Trees.
Yamhill Vineyards Oregon White Oaks
The Oregon White Oaks growing alongside the vineyards at Yamhill Vineyards Bed and Breakfast are thought to be at least 60 years old, possibly older. Yamhill Vineyards Bed & Breakfast is a charming 2 bedroom B&B in the heart of Willamette Valley Wine Country, a secluded location among 18 acres of vineyards overlooking the Willamette Valley just outside of Carlton, Oregon.
Oregon Association of Independent Inns are ready to share Oregon with you: it’s environment, culture, and heritage. Combine gracious hospitality with ambiance at an inspected and approved member of the Oregon Association of Independent Inns.
Since 1989, the Oregon Bed and Breakfast Guild has served as a statewide information network for its member properties, providing a unified voice for the industry with state regulatory and tourism agencies.
Now known as The Oregon Association of Independent Inns, we’re the same trusted organization, with a new name, a fresh look, and an expanded focus on independent lodging properties beyond traditional bed and breakfasts. Member properties represent a wide range of accommodations, from small guest cottages, cabins, and intimate two-room B&Bs to larger country inns, boutique hotels and dude ranches.
