Two decades after an environmental activist spent 72 days living amongst its branches,  residents are invited to celebrate the anniversary of the successful rescue of the “Old Glory” Heritage Oak this March.

In 2002, a new housing development in Stevenson Ranch threatened the destruction of multiple heritage oaks – defined by Los Angeles County as oak trees of any species measuring 36 inches or wider in diameter or having significant historical or cultural importance to the community – including one that would generate headlines across the nation.

Affectionately dubbed “Old Glory,” this large Valley Oak now measures over 70 feet tall and is estimated to be anywhere between 150 to 400 years old, according to arborist reports from the City of Santa Clarita.

In a desperate attempt to save this piece of living history, the Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment (SCOPE) reached out to visual artist and environment activist John Quigley. He agreed to help.

From when he first climbed its branches on Nov. 1, 2002, to when he was removed by law enforcement on Jan. 10, 2003, Quigley sat in the Old Glory Oak for a total of 72 days, saving it from a developer’s chainsaw and drawing eyes from around the world to the Santa Clarita Valley.

SCOPE plans to hold a 20-year celebration of the treesit in March 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 18 at Pico Canyon Park in Stevenson Ranch, the new home of “Old Glory” after a crew moved the 415.5-ton tree in a Guinness World Record-setting operation in 2004.

“Bring a picnic lunch and a camp chair, and join us for an afternoon of the tales, songs, and pictures that saved this tree. Meet the man in the tree, John Quigley, and many of the community members that stopped the bulldozers. There will be drawing tables for children, and photos and posters to view from the 2002 treesit event,” said SCOPE President Lynne Plambeck

Parking will be limited during the “Old Glory” reunion and celebration; prepare accordingly.

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