Saving the Island’s Garry Oaks
By Jon Bach • Photography by Anne Abernathy
The saying, to “miss the forest for the trees,” takes on a literal meaning for the founders and supporters of Oak Harbor’s Garry Oak Society (OHGOS) as they raise awareness for what they believe is one of the most important tree species on Whidbey Island—the Garry oak. The numbers of Garry oaks has severely declined over the last 200 years due to development and economic activity, invasive species such as ivy, advancing conifer trees, and even other oak species that threaten the Garry oak’s DNA because of wind hybridization.
“Yes, you can plant an acorn, but you need to have a few things thought out first—space, sunlight, and protection from predators,” said Laura Renninger, president of the OHGOS and a fourth generation Oak Harbor resident. “It is our only native oak and [the species] needs help from people to protect the old ones and plant new ones.”
For islanders and visitors, perhaps the most obvious awareness of this native tree is the city of Oak Harbor itself—named for the Garry oak. The tree’s scientific name, Quercus garryana, was coined by David Douglas—a botanist in the early 1800s—to honor Nicholas Garry, an officer in the Hudson Bay Trading Company. The Garry oak is also known as the Oregon oak, Oregon white oak, or just white oak.
