There are 41 trees or groups of trees throughout the state that have received this recognition. Similar programs in other states usually designate trees of significance because of their size, but the Heritage Tree Program in Oregon selects trees based on their historical significance.

Jim Renner works for the Oregon Travel Information Council and manages the Heritage Tree Program.

When asked how the Heritage Tree Program began, Renner says, "It all starts with Maynard Drawson. He had a vision to try and get a statewide heritage tree program started."

At 87 years of age, Maynard Drawson is himself part of Oregon's heritage.

"I know more about Oregon than just about anyone else," Drawson said. "I'm the most interesting guy you'll ever meet."
The facts of Drawson's life seem to substantiate his claims. The son of Greek immigrants, his father owned and operated a barbershop next to the Historic Elsinore Theatre.

After a stint in the military, Drawson followed in his father's footsteps and became a barber in Salem.

Drawson developed an appreciation for the beauty and history of Oregon that helped shape much of his adult life.

Between customers, he wrote five books on an old typewriter in the back of his barbershop. These books, "The Treasures of the Oregon Country I-V" provide stories and photographs about events, people and places that make up Oregon's rich history.
He got the idea of preserving significant trees when he learned about The National Register of Big Trees and the Champion Tree Program in American Forests Magazine. The magazine is published by American Forests, the country's oldest nonprofit citizen's conservation organization.

While these trees were recognized for their size, Drawson wanted to incorporate his interest in history with similar programs in Oregon.

He said that it took a long time to get the program started because there was little interest.

After successfully starting programs in Yamhill and Marion Counties, Drawson began to push hard for a statewide program in 1995. After trying several different state agencies, he approached the Oregon Travel Information Council who determined they were the best agency to handle such a program. The Council is responsible for the blue signs for gas, food and lodging on state highways, as well as the historical markers found at historically significant sites in the state.

"We already had our feet in the world of heritage," Jim Renner said. "We thought, `We can do this.'"

In 1996 a committee was formed and they established the criteria for evaluating trees for heritage status, and they set up a process where people could nominate trees for consideration.

The first dedication ceremony took place in 1997.

This year, in addition to the August 17 dedication ceremony in Salem, there will be another in Yachats on September 15 to recognize a giant spruce tree on Cape Perpetua.

The trees selected for heritage status in the coming year are announce during the first week of April, to coincide with Oregon Arbor Week.

"This program is completely self-funded. No tax dollars are involved," Renner said. "We encourage the preservation of the trees but there are no laws or formal protections. The program is voluntary. We depend on the good stewardship of landowners."

Maynard Drawson's dream of preserving Oregon's history and its trees became reality.

"I was interested in preserving history," Drawson said. "The Oregon Heritage Tree Program is unique. Our trees may not be the biggest but they have more history."