City of Tumwater looking for organizations who want saplings of Davis Meeker Garry oak tree

The City of Tumwater is looking for more organizations who want to receive saplings from the Davis Meeker Garry oak tree, according to an update by city staff to the Tumwater Tree Board on Monday, Sept. 8. 

The historic Garry Oak tree, which is located on Old Highway 99 near the Olympia Regional Airport, is estimated to be at least 400 years old.

It was supposed to be removed in 2024 due to safety concerns, a decision that was opposed by the community. That led city officials to reassess the tree’s condition. The city has since been working on long-term management of the tree. 

City Urban Forester Brian Caughlan told the tree board that he has given saplings to Wolf Haven International in Tenino, Tumwater School District, and the state. 

He said that he aims to contact more organizations to distribute around 20 more remaining saplings. 

When asked about their size, Caughlan explained that the saplings are about a year old, with some reaching roughly a foot tall. 

Sustainability Manager Alyssa Jones Wood added that not all groups they have been reaching out to have been responsive, so she encouraged board members to recommend other people they could contact for distribution. 

She also provided an update about other preservation efforts, saying the city is currently working with arborist firm Todd Prager & Associates to develop a scope of work for the management of the tree.

Once complete, the city will look to hire a business that could maintain the tree. Jones Wood added staff hope to conduct pruning for the tree by winter.  

While Todd Prager does not perform physical work on the tree, the firm will help with permitting with the Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation.