Lincoln City makes a trunk call

Lincoln City will celebrate the induction of one of its most beloved spruce trees into the Oregon Heritage Tree Program this Thursday, Aug. 19, in a ceremony at Regatta Park.

The giant Sitka spruce resides in the heart of the Lincoln City Parks & Recreation trail system at Regatta Park and is a remnant of an ancient coastal forest cared for by indigenous peoples.

Oregon industries logged most of these giants at the turn of the 20th Century, reserving this tree to seed a new forest.

 In 1978, the area surrounding the tree was annexed as Open Space, which protects the tree for future generations. With public input, the City of Lincoln City named the tree in 2018, with respect to the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon.

The tree is beloved by many Lincoln City residents, including City Councilor Riley Hoagland who has brought his children, friends, family and visitors to admire it. When Councilor Hoagland asked his friend Tim Stuart to help him come up with a name for the tree, Stuart suggested Nuu-k’wii’daa’naa~-ye’, which translates as "Our Ancestor," as a way to bring energy to Native and non-Native communities working together.

“The tree is a significant symbol of the community thriving and its perseverance,” Stuart said. “We have weathered many of life’s storms and have made our roots stronger. The name of Sitka spruce tree ‘Nuu-k’wii-daa-naa~-ye’ also means community; it symbolizes that we can come together to persevere and thrive through time via our deep roots here.”

Lincoln City Mayor Susan Wahlke believes the Oregon Heritage Tree designation will bring awareness to citizens and visitors about the opportunities available in the community’s parks and open spaces.

“I am proud of Lincoln City’s parks and open spaces,” she said. “and especially happy that we now have a 400-year-old Sitka spruce designated as a Heritage Tree.” 

The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is administered by the Travel Information Council to recognize Oregon trees of significance, to educate the public about their value and to promote their appreciation as part of Oregon’s heritage.

Thursday’s ceremony begins at 2 pm. For more information, go to www.lincolncity.org/parksandrec or call 541-996-1222.