The Michael Trebert Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has announced Forks as the lead participant in Trebert’s American Elm Heritage Project. The project is planned as part of the upcoming 250th Anniversary – in 2026 – of our nation’s founding. Additional American Elm Heritage Projects will take place in Port Angeles in 2022-23 and Sequim in 2023-24.

The Trebert/Elm conservation project will culminate Arbor Day, April 29, 2022 with the commemorative planting of American elm saplings near Forks City Hall, and placement of an interpretive sign that describes the importance of reestablishing American elms in our nation.

Trebert Regent Judy Tordini said the planting of commemorative trees is a time-honored American tradition and that a monumental milestone such as the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding deserves more than a single tree. “The Trebert Chapter is proud to take the lead and help Olympic Peninsula communities restore the unique American elm, and in doing so leave a living legacy for future Olympic generations to walk among, picnic under, and enjoy cooling shade during our summer months,” Tordini said. “Restoring the mighty elm to our streets and neighborhoods, as they were decades ago, is a great and beautiful way to mark this anniversary and also provide us a unique community project from which we can all benefit,” she added.

Trebert’s American Elm Heritage Project Committee, formed in June 2021 and made up of representatives from a variety of organizations, is enlisting volunteers and community partners to assist in developing lesson plans, publications and interpretive information on both early American History and the role the American elm played in the Revolutionary War.

Shirley Lorentz, a silviculturist with USDA Forest Service, Pacific Ranger District and a member of the Elm project committee said the magnificent American elm has been part of our nation’s communities longer than our nation has existed, as well as part of our forefathers’ legacy to us. “Old photos show towns across the Continental US with streets lined with American elms. Sadly, in the era of Dutch elm disease beginning in the 1930s, millions of those venerable trees have been taken down. Now, Forks has an opportunity to help repair and restore this natural legacy,” she said.

Lorentz described the elms to be planted in Forks are clones (cuttings) of a 200 plus years old tree nicknamed “Herbie” from Yarmouth, ME cut down in 2010 after being irreversibly damaged by a storm. “Herbie was planted in the 1770s and grew to 110 feet in height and measured over 20 feet in circumference. The tree had survived repeated infections of Dutch elm disease,” she said.

For more information regarding Michael Trebert’s American Elm History Project, or how to participate in and/or support the project please call: (509) 680-3569 OR email: americanelmheritageproject@jebork.com

Donations to support the Elm project may be made by sending a check – memo ELM — to the Michael Trebert Chapter / DAR, and mailed to P.O. Box 1917, Port Angeles, WA 98362.

Trebert/DAR is a 501 3(c) Non-profit Organization.

Michael Trebert Chapter – 7027WA-NSDAR

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution

P.O. Box 1917

Port Angeles, WA 98362