Green Legacy Hiroshima

OSDI partnered with the Japanese organization Green Legacy Hiroshima, established to care for the hibakujumoku – revered trees which survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. GLH volunteers began collecting seeds from these legacy trees in 2011 to send around the world, as reminders of the resilience of life and the desire and need for peace in a nuclear-armed world. The progeny are known as Hiroshima Peace Trees.

OSDI received a packet of seeds in April of 2017, which were germinated and cared for by arborist Michael Oxendine, Ph.D., then Landscape Supervisor at Southern Oregon University. OSDI began seeking public homes for over 120 saplings, and later assumed care of the young ginkgos, persimmons, camphors and camellias. Camphors were placed in warmer climates (a few are still available from a partner in Atlanta, Georgia).

In May of 2019, OSDI gratefully partnered with Oregon Community Trees and the Oregon Department of Forestry to continue care and distribution of remaining ginkgos and persimmons in communities throughout Oregon. ODF has a list of plantings in Oregon.

Many public dedications planned for 2020 to mark the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing and the end of World War II were unfortunately postponed due to the pandemic. However, most of the trees have been planted and those in Oregon can be found on the ODF site above.

OSDI will continue to post photos, news releases and videos of plantings and dedications we receive.

In January of 2022 Hideko was featured in the Japan-based Green Legacy Hiroshima Partners in Profile program, highlighting the extensive work OSDI has done in bringing so many Peace Trees to Oregon and other states.

Seeds from Hiroshima
Sprouting in SOU Green House
Hideko Tamura, OSDI Chair
Michael Oxendine, Hideko, Jim Gersbach of OR Dept. of Forestry

Ashland - Japanese Garden, Lithia Park - Camellia - March 16th, 2023

Dedication May 13, 2023. Sponsored by Ashland Dept. of Parks & Recreation. Event organized by One Sunny Day Initiatives, Southern Oregon Japanese Association and Peace House, with assistance from Parks & Recreation, and the Japanese Garden Committee and volunteers. We combined the dedication of the Peace Camellia, planted near the entrance to the newly created Japanese Garden in Lithia Park, with the sharing of Japanese cultural arts. To add to the garden experience, SOJA members demonstrated Taiko drumming, ikebana flower arranging, shakuhachi flute, wearing of kimono, and a formal tea ceremony. A member of Mayors for Peace, Ashland's Mayor Tonya Graham thanked participants for enriching the life of the community. Program and photosheet.

Miwa and Estelle stand on a stage in front of Taiko durmmers and address the crowd
SOJA President Miwa Aoki-Russell, Estelle Voeller, OSDI
Single line of 25 choir members performing on stage with Jerry Campbell directing
Rogue Valley Peace Choir Performing
Two rows or drummers standing on a stage performing
Elbow Room Taiko
Tonya Graham speaking into a microphone on stage
Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham
Mike Oxendine stands on stage speaking into a microphone
Mike Oxendine, Oregon Community Trees
Hideko standing in front of the Camellia
Hideko and Camellia
Close up of bright pink Camellia flower with yellow stamen
First blooms of the Hiroshima Peace Camellia
Flower arrangement on a wide granite rock with trees in the background
Ikebana flower arrangement, by Makiko Hartman
Water bowl cut into a granite rock being fed by bamboo piping with floating white flowers, surrounded by rock landscaping and a wooden fence in the background
Water and Flowers
Hideko with Noriko stand together just outside the front gate of the Japanese garden
Hideko with Noriko Hansen, Japanese Garden liaison
Jim sits at a small tea table with a line of 5 people sitting in the background on a large wooden deck in the Japanese garden
Jim Koike & assistant Hatsuko Koike perform tea ceremony with SOJA members
Three tea masters stand together in the Japanese garden
Tea masters - Tsutae Novick, Jim Koike, Michiko Wisdom
Viktor Novick stands in the garden playing a flute
Viktor Novick plays shakuhachi
Miwa and Estelle stand on a stage in front of Taiko durmmers and address the crowd
SOJA President Miwa Aoki-Russell, Estelle Voeller, OSDI
Two rows or drummers standing on a stage performing
Elbow Room Taiko
Close up of bright pink Camellia flower with yellow stamen
First blooms of the Hiroshima Peace Camellia
Hideko with Noriko stand together just outside the front gate of the Japanese garden
Hideko with Noriko Hansen, Japanese Garden liaison
Three tea masters stand together in the Japanese garden
Tea masters - Tsutae Novick, Jim Koike, Michiko Wisdom
Flower arrangement on a wide granite rock with trees in the background
Ikebana flower arrangement, by Makiko Hartman
Water bowl cut into a granite rock being fed by bamboo piping with floating white flowers, surrounded by rock landscaping and a wooden fence in the background
Water and Flowers
Single line of 25 choir members performing on stage with Jerry Campbell directing
Rogue Valley Peace Choir Performing
Tonya Graham speaking into a microphone on stage
Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham
Hideko standing in front of the Camellia
Hideko and Camellia
Mike Oxendine stands on stage speaking into a microphone
Mike Oxendine, Oregon Community Trees
Viktor Novick stands in the garden playing a flute
Viktor Novick plays shakuhachi
Jim sits at a small tea table with a line of 5 people sitting in the background on a large wooden deck in the Japanese garden
Jim Koike & assistant Hatsuko Koike perform tea ceremony with SOJA members
Miwa and Estelle stand on a stage in front of Taiko drummers and address the crowd
SOJA President Miwa Aoki-Russell, Estelle Voeller, OSDI
Two rows or drummers standing on a stage performing
Elbow Room Taiko
Close up of bright pink Camellia flower with yellow stamen
First blooms of the Hiroshima Peace Camellia
Flower arrangement on a wide granite rock with trees in the background
Ikebana flower arrangement, by Makiko Hartman
Water bowl cut into a granite rock being fed by bamboo piping with floating white flowers, surrounded by rock landscaping and a wooden fence in the background
Water and Flowers
Single line of 25 choir members performing on stage with Jerry Campbell directing
Rogue Valley Peace Choir Performing
Tonya Graham speaking into a microphone on stage
Ashland Mayor Tonya Graham
Hideko standing in front of the Camellia
Hideko and Camellia
Viktor Novick stands in the garden playing a flute
Viktor Novick plays shakuhachi
Mike Oxendine stands on stage speaking into a microphone
Mike Oxendine, Oregon Community Trees
Hideko with Noriko stand together just outside the front gate of the Japanese garden
Hideko with Noriko Hansen, Japanese Garden liaison
Three tea masters stand together in the Japanese garden
Tea masters - Tsutae Novick, Jim Koike, Michiko Wisdom
Jim sits at a small tea table with a line of 5 people sitting in the background on a large wooden deck in the Japanese garden
Jim Koike & assistant Hatsuko Koike perform tea ceremony with SOJA members

Ashland - Thalden Pavilion, Southern Oregon University - Ginkgo - August 6th, 2020

Sponsored by The City of Ashland. The tree is located at Thalden Pavilion, on the grounds of Southern Oregon University. It joins the Ashland World Peace Flame and Anishinabe Teaching Poles. Local video coverage from KDRV.

Update: The tree was dedicated on August 6th, 2022 as part of Ashland's 38th Annual Hiroshima-Nagasaki Vigil. Hideko and other community members involved with the OSDI/GLH collaboration spoke, accompanied by the Rogue Valley Peace Choir. The event was recorded and will be available shortly on our YouTube channel. It will also be featured in a documentary by David-Paul Hedburg.

Members of the RVPC stand around the peace tree with it's plaque and a water container
Peace Choir Director Jerry Cambell reads a letter from Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui
The RVPC and audience members stand around the peace tree
After community members water the Peace Tree the RVPC sings "We Remember"
Hideko and Michael Oxendine water the tree
Ginkgo tree in large wooden planter with sun shade
A sun shield protects the ginkgo with the SOU educational farm in the background
Ginkgo tree in large wooden planter with Thalden Pavilion in the background
Thalden Pavilion
Thalden Pavilion
Eternal Peace Flame flanked by Anishinabe Teaching Poles
The central column of the pavilion houses the Ashland World Peace Flame and is flanked by two Anishinabe Teaching Poles designed by Dan Wahpepah and carved by Russell Beebe (Wabashkigamash)
Plaque describing one of the Anishinabe Teaching Poles
Plaque above the Eternal Peace Flame
Members of the RVPC stand around the peace tree with it's plaque and a water container
Peace Choir Director Jerry Campbell reads a letter from Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui
The RVPC and audience members stand around the peace tree
After community members water the Peace Tree the RVPC sings "We Remember"
Ginkgo tree in large wooden planter with sun shade
A sun shield protects the ginkgo with the SOU educational farm in the background
Eternal Peace Flame flanked by Anishinabe Teaching Poles
The central column of the pavilion houses the Ashland World Peace Flame and is flanked by two Anishinabe Teaching Poles designed by Dan Wahpepah and carved by Russell Beebe (Wabashkigamash)
Plaque above the Eternal Peace Flame
Ginkgo tree in large wooden planter with Thalden Pavilion in the background
Hideko and Michael Oxendine water the tree
Thalden Pavilion
Thalden Pavilion
Plaque describing one of the Anishinabe Teaching Poles
Members of the RVPC stand around the peace tree with it's plaque and a water container
Peace Choir Director Jerry Cambell reads a letter from Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui
Ginkgo tree in large wooden planter with sun shade
A sun shield protects the ginkgo with the SOU educational farm in the background
Plaque describing one of the Anishinabe Teaching Poles
The RVPC and audience members stand around the peace tree
After community members water the Peace Tree the RVPC sings "We Remember"
Ginkgo tree in large wooden planter with Thalden Pavilion in the background
Plaque above the Eternal Peace Flame
Hideko and Michael Oxendine water the tree
Thalden Pavilion
Thalden Pavilion
Eternal Peace Flame flanked by Anishinabe Teaching Poles
The central column of the pavilion houses the Ashland World Peace Flame and is flanked by two Anishinabe Teaching Poles designed by Dan Wahpepah and carved by Russell Beebe (Wabashkigamash)

Central Point - Skyrman Arboretum - Ginkgo - March 13th, 2020

Picture taken May 23th, 2020.

Young Ginkgo tree with leaves next to small sign in garden area
Young Ginkgo tree with leaves next to small sign in garden area
Young Ginkgo tree with leaves next to small sign in garden area

Coos Bay - Southwest Oregon Community College - Ginkgo - May 22nd, 2021

Dedicated October 1st, 2021. SOCC Press Release, unveiling Video.

Carolyn Thompson standing next to a shrouded tree before unveiling
Welcome from SOCC Foundation Board Member Carolyn Thompson
Dr. Patty Scott standing next to a shrouded tree before unveiling
SOCC President Dr. Patty Scott embraces international exchange and hope the tree represents
Students removing the shroud around the Ginkgo tree
Unveiling the Peace Tree
Woman standing next to shrouded Ginkgo sapling addressing a group students, community, and faculty members
Students, faculty, community members
Two students stand beside the Ginkgo tree
Two of many international students
Peace Tree sapling surrounded by support stakes in grass field
A lovely setting near Umpqua Hall
Group of people standing behind the Ginkgo sapling
SOCC President, Foundation Board, community members and OSDI Board Member Estelle Voeller
Carolyn Thompson standing next to a shrouded tree before unveiling
Welcome from SOCC Foundation Board Member Carolyn Thompson
Dr. Patty Scott standing next to a shrouded tree before unveiling
SOCC President Dr. Patty Scott embraces international exchange and hope the tree represents
Students removing the shroud around the Ginkgo tree
Unveiling the Peace Tree
Woman standing next to shrouded Ginkgo sapling addressing a group students, community, and faculty members
Students, faculty, community members
Two students stand beside the Ginkgo tree
Two of many international students
Peace Tree sapling surrounded by support stakes in grass field
A lovely setting near Umpqua Hall
Group of people standing behind the Ginkgo sapling
SOCC President, Foundation Board, community members and OSDI Board Member Estelle Voeller
Carolyn Thompson standing next to a shrouded tree before unveiling
Welcome from SOCC Foundation Board Member Carolyn Thompson
Dr. Patty Scott standing next to a shrouded tree before unveiling
SOCC President Dr. Patty Scott embraces international exchange and hope the tree represents
Students removing the shroud around the Ginkgo tree
Unveiling the Peace Tree
Woman standing next to shrouded Ginkgo sapling addressing a group students, community, and faculty members
Students, faculty, community members
Two students stand beside the Ginkgo tree
Two of many international students
Peace Tree sapling surrounded by support stakes in grass field
A lovely setting near Umpqua Hall
Group of people standing behind the Ginkgo sapling
SOCC President, Foundation Board, community members and OSDI Board Member Estelle Voeller

Corvallis - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Park - Ginkgo - March 26th, 2021

Sponsored by Corvallis Parks and Recreation Department. Local coverage from the Corvallic Gazette Times: Corvallis plants Hiroshima tree, Corvallis hosts saplings grown from Hiroshima seeds

Linda Allen speaking about her mother June Ikuko Terasaka Moore
Linda Allen speaking about her mother June Ikuko Terasaka Moore
Tony, Kristin, and Jennifer do a tree hand off
Tony Mecum, Kristin Ramstad, and Jennifer Killian do a tree hand off
Linda Allen speaking about her mother June Ikuko Terasaka Moore
Linda Allen speaking about her mother June Ikuko Terasaka Moore
Tony, Kristin, and Jennifer do a tree hand off
Tony Mecum, Kristin Ramstad, and Jennifer Killian do a tree hand off
Linda Allen speaking about her mother June Ikuko Terasaka Moore
Linda Allen speaking about her mother June Ikuko Terasaka Moore
Tony, Kristin, and Jennifer do a tree hand off
Tony Mecum, Kristin Ramstad, and Jennifer Killian do a tree hand off

Corvallis - Oregon State University - Persimmon - April 11th, 2019

Sponsored by the Asian & Pacific Culture Center of Oregon State University. APCC Flyer, local coverage by Corvallis Gazette-Times.

Corvallis Mayor for Peace Biff Traber & Hideko
Linda Richards, Faculty Advisor (center)
Officials & students listen to Hideko's story
Hideko with OSU President Edward Ray
One month later with Jill Mackie, Former Ashland WILPF Chair
Officials & students listen to Hideko's story
Corvallis Mayor for Peace Biff Traber & Hideko
Linda Richards, Faculty Advisor (center)
Hideko with OSU President Edward Ray
One month later with Jill Mackie, Former Ashland WILPF Chair
Corvallis Mayor for Peace Biff Traber & Hideko
Linda Richards, Faculty Advisor (center)
Hideko with OSU President Edward Ray
One month later with Jill Mackie, Former Ashland WILPF Chair
Peace Tree surrounded by a group of international academics who came from as far away as Russia, Tanzania, Budapest and Spain to consider radiation exposure and nuclear weapons history

Corvallis - Western View Center - Ginkgo - January 7th, 2021

Sponsored by Adams Elementary School Green Team. Dedicated April 22nd, 2021.

Rachel Kirby, in front of students, speaking at microphone to gathered crowd
Rachel Kirby, Green Team Leader, secured the tree and organized ceremony
Principal Peter Henning speaking at microphone beside Peace tree in protective fence
Principal Peter Henning welcomed families, staff, community to the Earth Day event
Four students stand beside Peace Tree in protective fence
Four student speakers prepared and delivered excellent remarks
Ginkgo tree, with it's unique fencing
The 4-year-old ginkgo, with it's unique fencing
Crowd of adults and children in the shade of brick building
Nice to see long-time OSDI supporters Jill Mackie and OSU faculty Linda Richards (center), Corvallis School District Superintendent Ryan Noss and families
Sylvan, Jennifer, and Rachel arrange mulch around Ginkgo tree
Freshly planted and mulched, January 7th, 2021
Western View Center building sign and logo (Home of:/ Professional Development Center/ Corvallis School District Welcome Center/ Casa Latinos Unidos/ de Benton County)
Western View Center is adjacent to Adams Elementary School's Peace Tree planting
Rachel Kirby, in front of students, speaking at microphone to gathered crowd
Rachel Kirby, Green Team Leader, secured the tree and organized ceremony
Principal Peter Henning speaking at microphone beside Peace tree in protective fence
Principal Peter Henning welcomed families, staff, community to the Earth Day event
Four students stand beside Peace Tree in protective fence
Four student speakers prepared and delivered excellent remarks
Crowd of adults and children in the shade of brick building
Nice to see long-time OSDI supporters Jill Mackie and OSU faculty Linda Richards (center), Corvallis School District Superintendent Ryan Noss and families
Ginkgo tree, with it's unique fencing
The 4-year-old ginkgo, with it's unique fencing
Sylvan, Jennifer, and Rachel arrange mulch around Ginkgo tree
Freshly planted and mulched, January 7th, 2021
Western View Center building sign and logo (Home of:/ Professional Development Center/ Corvallis School District Welcome Center/ Casa Latinos Unidos/ de Benton County)
Western View Center is adjacent to Adams Elementary School's Peace Tree planting
Rachel Kirby, in front of students, speaking at microphone to gathered crowd
Rachel Kirby, Green Team Leader, secured the tree and organized ceremony
Principal Peter Henning speaking at microphone beside Peace tree in protective fence
Principal Peter Henning welcomed families, staff, community to the Earth Day event
Four students stand beside Peace Tree in protective fence
Four student speakers prepared and delivered excellent remarks
Crowd of adults and children in the shade of brick building
Nice to see long-time OSDI supporters Jill Mackie and OSU faculty Linda Richards (center), Corvallis School District Superintendent Ryan Noss and families
Ginkgo tree, with it's unique fencing
The 4-year-old ginkgo, with it's unique fencing
Sylvan, Jennifer, and Rachel arrange mulch around Ginkgo tree
Freshly planted and mulched, January 7th, 2021
Western View Center building sign and logo (Home of:/ Professional Development Center/ Corvallis School District Welcome Center/ Casa Latinos Unidos/ de Benton County)
Western View Center is adjacent to Adams Elementary School's Peace Tree planting

Cottage Grove - Coiner Park - Ginkgo - February 17th, 2020

Sponsored by Cotttage Grove Mayor and Urban Forestry Committee.

Local coverage by Cottage Grove Sentinel, Flyer, Mayor's Proclamation Note: This tree was planted after it's leaves dropped for the winter.

A man reads a large informational display about the Hiroshima Peace Tree project set up on an easel showing pictures of the seeds and saplings and surviving trees in Hiroshima
Display
Mayor Jeff Gowing reads proclamation declaring Feb 17, 2020 'One Sunny Day of Peace'
Mayor Jeff Gowing reads proclamation declaring Feb 17, 2020 "One Sunny Day of Peace"
A large group of people including pet dogs gather around the planting location, multiple people dig a hole for the tree
Community members of all ages gather
Closeup on the planting location showing the tree in a pot and 3 children with shovels digging the hole
Children help dig the hole
The planted tree with origami cranes tied to the stem and an informational plaque, a women with water standing and giving a blessing surrounded by onlookers
Indigenous woman waters and blesses the tree
Lead organizer Reilly Newman kneels behind the tree and informational plaque
Lead organizer Reilly Newman
A man reads a large informational display about the Hiroshima Peace Tree project set up on an easel showing pictures of the seeds and saplings and surviving trees in Hiroshima
Display
A large group of people including pet dogs gather around the planting location, multiple people dig a hole for the tree
Community members of all ages gather
Lead organizer Reilly Newman kneels behind the tree and informational plaque
Lead organizer Reilly Newman
Mayor Jeff Gowing reads proclamation declaring Feb 17, 2020 'One Sunny Day of Peace'
Mayor Jeff Gowing reads proclamation declaring Feb 17, 2020 "One Sunny Day of Peace"
Closeup on the planting location showing the tree in a pot and 3 children with shovels digging the hole
Children help dig the hole
The planted tree with origami cranes tied to the stem and an informational plaque, a women with water knealing with hands on the mulch mound gives a blessing surrounded by onlookers
Indigenous woman waters and blesses the tree
A man reads a large informational display about the Hiroshima Peace Tree project set up on an easel showing pictures of the seeds and saplings and surviving trees in Hiroshima
Display
Mayor Jeff Gowing reads proclamation declaring Feb 17, 2020 'One Sunny Day of Peace'
Mayor Jeff Gowing reads proclamation declaring Feb 17, 2020 "One Sunny Day of Peace"
A large group of people including pet dogs gather around the planting location, multiple people dig a hole for the tree
Community members of all ages gather
The planted tree with origami cranes tied to the stem and an informational plaque, a women with water standing and giving a blessing surrounded by onlookers
Indigenous woman waters and blesses the tree
Closeup on the planting location showing the tree in a pot and 3 children with shovels digging the hole
Children help dig the hole
Lead organizer Reilly Newman kneels behind the tree and informational plaque
Lead organizer Reilly Newman

Eugene - Alton Baker Park - Persimmon - August 6th, 2019

Sponsored by WAND (Women's Action for New Directions).

Mark Unno delivers a prayer for the tree
Yujin Gakuen (Children's Peace Choir) offer the first water
Yujin Gakuen (Children's Peace Choir) offer the first water
Mark Unno delivers a prayer for the tree
Yujin Gakuen Children's Peace Choir offer the first water

Gladstone - Gladstone Nature Park - Ginkgo - March 28th, 2020

Sponsored by Friends of Gladstone Nature Park, located at Gladstone Nature Park. It will be formally dedicated on October 3rd, 2020.

Ginkgo tree surrounded by a low fence with informational plaque
Ginkgo tree surrounded by a low fence with informational plaque
Ginkgo tree surrounded by a low fence with informational plaque

Grants Pass - Greenwood River Trail - Ginkgo - April 2nd, 2021

Sponsored by the City of Grants Pass. The tree is planted along the Greenwood River Trail, just inside the Water Restoration Plant fencing. A dedication is expected in the Fall of 2021.

Urban forester Tony Mecum and Hideko Tamura Snider
Urban forester Tony Mecum and Hideko Tamura Snider
Tony Mecum organized the tree adoption and planting
Tony Mecum organized the tree adoption and planting
Hideko thanks Urban Forestry Committee for sponsoring the tree
Hideko thanks Urban Forestry Committee for sponsoring the tree
OSDI Board member Lucie Scheuer
OSDI Board member Lucie Scheuer
OSDI Board and Urban Forestry Committee witness the planting
OSDI Board and Urban Forestry Committee witness the planting
Beginning of the Greenwood River Trail
Beginning of the Greenwood River Trail
Ginkgo's home near the Rogue River
Ginkgo's home near the Rogue River
Urban forester Tony Mecum and Hideko Tamura Snider
Urban forester Tony Mecum and Hideko Tamura Snider
OSDI Board member Lucie Scheuer
OSDI Board member Lucie Scheuer
Beginning of the Greenwood River Trail
Beginning of the Greenwood River Trail
Hideko thanks Urban Forestry Committee for sponsoring the tree
Hideko thanks Urban Forestry Committee for sponsoring the tree
OSDI Board and Urban Forestry Committee witness the planting
OSDI Board and Urban Forestry Committee witness the planting
Tony Mecum organized the tree adoption and planting
Tony Mecum organized the tree adoption and planting
Ginkgo's home near the Rogue River
Ginkgo's home near the Rogue River
Urban forester Tony Mecum and Hideko Tamura Snider
Urban forester Tony Mecum and Hideko Tamura Snider
OSDI Board member Lucie Scheuer
OSDI Board member Lucie Scheuer
Tony Mecum organized the tree adoption and planting
Tony Mecum organized the tree adoption and planting
OSDI Board and Urban Forestry Committee witness the planting
OSDI Board and Urban Forestry Committee witness the planting
Beginning of the Greenwood River Trail
Beginning of the Greenwood River Trail
Hideko thanks Urban Forestry Committee for sponsoring the tree
Hideko thanks Urban Forestry Committee for sponsoring the tree
Ginkgo's home near the Rogue River
Ginkgo's home near the Rogue River

Happy Valley - Veterans Memorial Park - Ginkgo - November 11th, 2021

Peace Tree planted near City’s Veterans Memorial Park

Hillsboro - Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve - Ginkgo - April 22th, 2019

Sponsored by the City of Hillsboro. Planted in Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve.

Setsy Larouche, President, The Oregon Hiroshima Club and Mayor Steve Callaway
Anthony Martin, City Councilor speaking
Setsy Larouche, President, The Oregon Hiroshima Club & Mayor Steve Callaway
Anthony Martin, City Councilor speaking
Setsy Larouche, President, The Oregon Hiroshima Club & Mayor Steve Callaway
Anthony Martin, City Councilor speaking

Dignitaries and Special Guests:
Hillsboro Mayor, Steve Callaway
Hillsboro City Councilor, Anthony Martin
Hillsboro City Councilor, Beach Pace
Jim Hill, Publisher of Yuuyake Shibum newspaper
Keiko Honda, of Yuuyake Simbum newspaper
Setsy Larouche, President, The Oregon Hiroshima Club
Jim Iwasaki, owner, Iwasaki Brothers Nursery
Marleen Ikeda Wallingford, President, Portland Japanese-American Citizens League (JACL)
Graham Morris, Executive Director, Japan America Society of Oregon

Hood River - Idlewild Cemetery - Ginkgo - March 1st, 2021

Sponsored by Hood River Tree Committee and organized by Tyler Roth and David-Paul B. Hedberg. Two ginkgo trees overlook Japanese American family headstones in two separate parts of the cemetery. For over a century many Issei (first generation) and Nisei (second generation, born in US) families came from Hiroshima and other parts of Japan to settle in Hood River. Many were successful orchardists and fruit growers. During the Second World War these families faced the trauma of prejudice, forced internment, and loss of property. Linda Tamura's father served in the US Army during the war, at the same time as the US government was incarcerating his fellow Japanese American neighbors and family. After the war, despite serving his country, town leaders attempted to remove his name and other Japanese American US military veterans from a memorial. Now, the families that come to visit their ancestors from Hiroshima, and other parts of Japan, can also give their respects to a tree that has also come from Hiroshima. Peace takes on many meanings and forms.

Tyler Roth plants one Ginkgo at the north Japanese American plots at Idlewild Cemetery
Linda Tamura shares a story about her Father with Tyler Roth in the south Japanese American plots at Idlewild Cemetery
The ginkgo tree overlooking plots of Japanese American plots, many of these families have ties to Hiroshima Prefecture
Tyler Roth plants one Ginkgo at the north Japanese American plots at Idlewild Cemetery
Linda Tamura shares a story about her Father with Tyler Roth in the south Japanese American plots at Idlewild Cemetery
The ginkgo tree overlooking Japanese American plots, many of these families have ties to Hiroshima Prefecture
Tyler Roth plants one Ginkgo at the north Japanese American plots at Idlewild Cemetery
Linda Tamura shares a story about her Father with Tyler Roth in the south Japanese American plots at Idlewild Cemetery
The Ginkgo tree overlooking plots of Japanese American plots, many of these families have ties to Hiroshima Prefecture

Independence - Inspiration Garden, at Mt. Fir Park - Ginkgo - April 30th, 2021

Sponsored by Polk County Master Gardeners, with assistance from, Rotary of Monmouth-Independence, Boy Scouts and the City of Independence. Dedication Ceremony.

Hideko speaking and standing next to Ginkgo tree in garden
Hideko and Estelle are honored to participate in the dedication
Mayor John McArdle standing in front of the garden with the Ginkgo tree in background
Mayor John McArdle officially opens the Peace Garden and thanks all contributors
Darrell Ward speaking in front of the garden
Darrell Ward shared his memories of reading Hideko's memoir One Sunny Day
Peace garden, including Peace Pole, Ginkgo tree and Chief Joseph Pine
The Peace Garden was designed around the Green Legacy Hiroshima Peace Tree, a Peace Pole in many languages, and a rare Chief Joseph Pine (back, center)
Bill Leedy standing on sidewalk in front of Peace Tree garden
Polk County Master Gardener Bill Leedy explains the symbolism and elements in the Peace Garden, which he and Kay Beatty designed
Rotary members handing metal origami crane sculpture to Becky Jay in front of the garden
Rotary members gifted a sculpture of an origami crane to Master Gardeners, along with the Peace Pole. Becky Jay (left) is head of the Master Gardener's Steering Committee
Darrell Ward speaking in front of the garden
Peace Pole inscribed with "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in eight languages
Hideko speaking and standing next to Ginkgo tree in garden
Hideko and Estelle are honored to participate in the dedication
Mayor John McArdle standing in front of the garden with the Ginkgo tree in background
Mayor John McArdle officially opens the Peace Garden and thanks all contributors
Darrell Ward speaking in front of the garden
Darrell Ward shared his memories of reading Hideko's memoir One Sunny Day
Peace garden, including Peace Pole, Ginkgo tree and Chief Joseph Pine
The Peace Garden was designed around the Green Legacy Hiroshima Peace Tree, a Peace Pole in many languages, and a rare Chief Joseph Pine (back, center)
Bill Leedy standing on sidewalk in front of Peace Tree garden
Polk County Master Gardener Bill Leedy explains the symbolism and elements in the Peace Garden, which he and Kay Beatty designed
Rotary members handing metal origami crane sculpture to Becky Jay in front of the garden
Rotary members gifted a sculpture of an origami crane to Master Gardeners, along with the Peace Pole. Becky Jay (left) is head of the Master Gardener's Steering Committee
Darrell Ward speaking in front of the garden
Peace Pole inscribed with "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in eight languages
Hideko speaking and standing next to Ginkgo tree in garden
Hideko and Estelle are honored to participate in the dedication
Bill Leedy standing on sidewalk in front of Peace Tree garden
Polk County Master Gardener Bill Leedy explains the symbolism and elements in the Peace Garden, which he and Kay Beatty designed
Darrell Ward speaking in front of the garden
Darrell Ward shared his memories of reading Hideko's memoir One Sunny Day
Mayor John McArdle standing in front of the garden with the Ginkgo tree in background
Mayor John McArdle officially opens the Peace Garden and thanks all contributors
Rotary members handing metal origami crane sculpture to Becky Jay in front of the garden
Rotary members gifted a sculpture of an origami crane to Master Gardeners, along with the Peace Pole. Becky Jay (left) is head of the Master Gardener's Steering Committee
Peace garden, including Peace Pole, Ginkgo tree and Chief Joseph Pine
The Peace Garden was designed around the Green Legacy Hiroshima Peace Tree, a Peace Pole in many languages, and a rare Chief Joseph Pine (back, center)
Darrell Ward speaking in front of the garden
Peace Pole inscribed with "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in eight languages

Klamath Falls - Klamath Union High School - Ginkgos - May, 9th 2020

Sponsored by Klamath Union High School. Thank you to Four Seasons Landscaping in Klamath Falls who volunteered their time for the planting and landscaping of the area with native boulders to create a delightful environment for the trees.

On May 20th, 2023 a dedication ceremony and student art show was held for the Ginkgo trees attended by monks from Shasta Abbey, Shasta Taiko Drummers, artist Betty LaDuke, 5th Oregon Poet Laureate Lawson Inada, with Shakuhachi flute accompaniment by Todd Barton. Dedication program.

Pictures by Gayle Yamasaki and Estelle Voeller.

Newly planted and staked Ginkgo tree behind informational plaque with sidewalk in background
Just planted! (May 9th, 2020)
A tall metal sculpture placed among the Ginkgo trees in a planting bed with the school buildings in the background
Peace Sculpture by students
One of the Ginkgo trees beside the metal sculpture and in front of large boulders in the planting bed
1 of 2 ginkgos planted
Six people stand together behind the Ginkgo tree
Organizer Gayle Yamasaki, 4th from left
Multiple peopl stand behind on of the Ginkgo trees with camera operator in the background
Monks from Shasta Abbey officiate
Mayor Westfall stands behind a table and address the crowd
Mayor Carol Westfall speaks
Estelle and Gayle stand behind a table and address the crowd outside
Estelle Voeller representing OSDI & event organizer Gayle Yamasaki
Tony Swan stands in fornt of a table and address the crowd outside
Klamath Union (or KU) Principal Tony Swan
Two performers play a two-headed drum on an elevated stand with three other drummers in the background
Shasta Taiko
Lawson Inada speaks behind a podium in the school
Lawson Inada, 5th Oregon Poet Laureate
A large painting stands between tables with welcoming and introductory material inside the school
Hiroshima Dreams by Betty LaDuke
A table inside the school draped with a branch holding many colorful origami cranes
Chains of paper cranes for guests
Close up of collages created by art students focusing on the Japanese Internment Camps at Tule Lake
Student projects focused on Tule Lake Segregation Center experience
Close up of a quilt made form may different squares created by students focusing on the experiences of Japanese-American citizens detained in internment camps.
Student quilt
Newly planted and staked Ginkgo tree behind informational plaque with sidewalk in background
Just planted! (May 9th, 2020)
Six people stand together behind the Ginkgo tree
Organizer Gayle Yamasaki, 4th from left
Multiple peopl stand behind on of the Ginkgo trees with camera operator in the background
Monks from Shasta Abbey officiate
Estelle and Gayle stand behind a table and address the crowd outside
Estelle Voeller representing OSDI & event organizer Gayle Yamasaki
Tony Swan stands in fornt of a table and address the crowd outside
Klamath Union (or KU) Principal Tony Swan
A large painting stands between tables with welcoming and introductory material inside the school
Hiroshima Dreams by Betty LaDuke
A table inside the school draped with a branch holding many colorful origami cranes
Chains of paper cranes for guests
Close up of collages created by art students focusing on the Japanese Internment Camps at Tule Lake
Student projects focused on Tule Lake Segregation Center experience
A tall metal sculpture placed among the Ginkgo trees in a planting bed with the school buildings in the background
Peace Sculpture by students
One of the Ginkgo trees beside the metal sculpture and in front of large boulders in the planting bed
1 of 2 ginkgos planted
Mayor Westfall stands behind a table and address the crowd
Mayor Carol Westfall speaks
Two performers play a two-headed drum on an elevated stand with three other drummers in the background
Shasta Taiko
Lawson Inada speaks behind a podium in the school
Lawson Inada, 5th Oregon Poet Laureate
Close up of a quilt made form may different squares created by students focusing on the experiences of Japanese-American citizens detained in internment camps.
Student quilt
Newly planted and staked Ginkgo tree behind informational plaque with sidewalk in background
Just planted! (May 9th, 2020)
Lawson Inada speaks behind a podium in the school
Lawson Inada, 5th Oregon Poet Laureate
Multiple peopl stand behind on of the Ginkgo trees with camera operator in the background
Monks from Shasta Abbey officiate
Estelle and Gayle stand behind a table and address the crowd outside
Estelle Voeller representing OSDI & event organizer Gayle Yamasaki
Tony Swan stands in fornt of a table and address the crowd outside
Klamath Union (or KU) Principal Tony Swan
A tall metal sculpture placed among the Ginkgo trees in a planting bed with the school buildings in the background
Peace Sculpture by students
Six people stand together behind the Ginkgo tree
Organizer Gayle Yamasaki, 4th from left
Two performers play a two-headed drum on an elevated stand with three other drummers in the background
Shasta Taiko
A table inside the school draped with a branch holding many colorful origami cranes
Chains of paper cranes for guests
Close up of collages created by art students focusing on the Japanese Internment Camps at Tule Lake
Student projects focused on Tule Lake Segregation Center experience
One of the Ginkgo trees beside the metal sculpture and in front of large boulders in the planting bed
1 of 2 ginkgos planted
Mayor Westfall stands behind a table and address the crowd
Mayor Carol Westfall speaks
A large painting stands between tables with welcoming and introductory material inside the school
Hiroshima Dreams by Betty LaDuke
Close up of a quilt made form may different squares created by students focusing on the experiences of Japanese-American citizens detained in internment camps.
Student quilt

Lake Oswego - Foothills Park - Ginkgo - April 13th, 2019

Sponsored by City of Lake Oswego. Planted at Foothills Park to celebrate Arbor Week and National Poetry Month. Guest speakers included representatives from the Veterans Memorial Project and Oregon Poet Laureate Kim Stafford, to present the City’s 30 Year Tree City USA Award. Video (source #ClackCo TV) Flyer (2.6MB PDF, source City of Lake Oswego) Local coverage at The Statesman Journal.

Ginkgo and plaque overlooking the river
Planting ceremony included Kim Stafford, Poet Laureate and Essayist & Morgan Holen, City Arborist of Lake Oswego
The distinctive fan shape of the Ginkgo leaf
Rendering of Lake Oswego Veterans Memorial
Ginkgo and plaque overlooking the river
The distinctive fan shape of the Ginkgo leaf
Rendering of Lake Oswego Veterans Memorial
Planting ceremony included Kim Stafford, Poet Laureate and Essayist & Morgan Holen, City Arborist of Lake Oswego
Ginkgo and plaque overlooking the river
Planting ceremony included Kim Stafford, Poet Laureate and Essayist & Morgan Holen, City Arborist of Lake Oswego
The distinctive fan shape of the Ginkgo leaf
Rendering of Lake Oswego Veterans Memorial

Medford - Medford Congregational United Church of Christ - Asian Persimmon - February 28th, 2020

Originally planted in 2020, the dedication was posponed due to COVID-19 and held on May 22nd, 2022. The tree shares space a with a Peace Pole inscribed with "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in ten languages.

A women stands beside the Ginkgo tree with it's plaque in front of the church
Reverend Laura Lee
Audience members watching the ceremony
OSDI board member Lucie Scheuer (in yellow)
Audience members standing behind the tree and in front of the church entrance
Church interior (foyer) with a display of many colorful origami cranes hanging from the ceiling
1000 Peace Cranes
Two women watering the tree
Offering water
Three women standing to the side of the tree
Hideko, long-time friend Noriko Hansen, and Rev. Laura Lee
Hexagonal pole, approximately 6 feet tall, with inscribed writing in multiple languages with the church in the background
The Peace Pole, inscribed with "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in ten languages
Metal plaque on brick wall of the church 'Peace begins with me. Expressed in ten of the world's many languages, English, Takelman, Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, one face of this peace pole remains unwritten. An invitation: Imagine this message in every language, and speak it with your own voice. May Peace Prevail On Earth.'
Church interior, seated audience listens to a women behind a podium
OSDI board member Estelle Voeller
A women stands beside the Ginkgo tree with it's plaque in front of the church
Reverend Laura Lee
Audience members watching the ceremony
OSDI board member Lucie Scheuer (in yellow)
Audience members standing behind the tree and in front of the church entrance
Church interior (foyer) with a display of many colorful origami cranes hanging from the ceiling
1000 Peace Cranes
Metal plaque on brick wall of the church 'Peace begins with me. Expressed in ten of the world's many languages, English, Takelman, Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, one face of this peace pole remains unwritten. An invitation: Imagine this message in every language, and speak it with your own voice. May Peace Prevail On Earth.'
Two women watering the tree
Offering water
Three women standing to the side of the tree
Hideko, long-time friend Noriko Hansen, and Rev. Laura Lee
Hexagonal pole, approximately 6 feet tall, with inscribed writing in multiple languages with the church in the background
The Peace Pole, inscribed with "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in ten languages
Church interior, seated audience listens to a women behind a podium
OSDI board member Estelle Voeller
A women stands beside the Ginkgo tree with it's plaque in front of the church
Reverend Laura Lee
Audience members watching the ceremony
OSDI board member Lucie Scheuer (in yellow)
Audience members standing behind the tree and in front of the church entrance
Two women watering the tree
Offering water
Three women standing to the side of the tree
Hideko, long-time friend Noriko Hansen, and Rev. Laura Lee
Hexagonal pole, approximately 6 feet tall, with inscribed writing in multiple languages with the church in the background
The Peace Pole, inscribed with "May Peace Prevail On Earth" in ten languages
Metal plaque on brick wall of the church 'Peace begins with me. Expressed in ten of the world's many languages, English, Takelman, Urdu, Spanish, Arabic, Swahili, Chinese, Russian, Hindi, Japanese, one face of this peace pole remains unwritten. An invitation: Imagine this message in every language, and speak it with your own voice. May Peace Prevail On Earth.'
Church interior (foyer) with a display of many colorful origami cranes hanging from the ceiling
1000 Peace Cranes
Church interior, seated audience listens to a women behind a podium
OSDI board member Estelle Voeller

Newberg - Chehalem Valley Middle School - Persimmon - March 12th, 2020

Sponsored by Chehalem Valley Middle School. Picture taken April 15th, 2020.

Female student standing behind newly planted tree in front school building
Female student standing behind newly planted tree in front school building
Female student standing behind newly planted tree in front school building

Rogue River - John F. Fleming Memorial Park - Ginkgo - April 22nd, 2020

Sponsored by Rogue River Tree Committee.

Hideko speaking while standing behind a podium
Hideko thanking Rogue River and sharing hope for peace in the world, moving forward together
JoAnn Dixon speaking while standing behind a podium
Coordinator JoAnn Dixon, Tree Committee, begins the celebration
Mayor Wayne Stuart speaking while standing behind a podium
Mayor Wayne Stuart welcomes all to John F. Fleming Memorial Park
Mike Oxendine and Hideko standing next to the Ginkgo tree
Mike and Hideko standing with the Peace tree
Mike Oxendine speaking while standing behind a podium
Arborist Mike Oxendine, who initially germinated and cared for all the special seeds, shares his involvement
Dave Hedberg speaking while standing behind a podium
Portland filmmaker Dave Hedberg on the documentary he is creating about the Green Legacy Hiroshima project in Oregon
Audience in chairs on lawn and portable tent (City of Rogue River/ Tree City, USA)
Ginkgo tree and informational plaque with Rogue River Bridge in the background
VFW representatives displayed flags across the iconic bridge, and also spoke
Platers of cookies and other food on a table
Bouquets and refreshments galore
Wall of names (John F. Flemming/ Veteran Memorial/ Memorial Park/ John F. Fleming/ February 17, 1945 - April 29, 1967/ Danang Vietnam)
Veteran's Memorial wall
Hideko speaking while standing behind a podium
Hideko thanking Rogue River and sharing hope for peace in the world, moving forward together
JoAnn Dixon speaking while standing behind a podium
Coordinator JoAnn Dixon, Tree Committee, begins the celebration
Mayor Wayne Stuart speaking while standing behind a podium
Mayor Wayne Stuart welcomes all to John F. Fleming Memorial Park
Audience in chairs on lawn and portable tent (City of Rogue River/ Tree City, USA)
Mike Oxendine and Hideko standing next to the Ginkgo tree
Mike and Hideko standing with the Peace tree
Mike Oxendine speaking while standing behind a podium
Arborist Mike Oxendine, who initially germinated and cared for all the special seeds, shares his involvement
Dave Hedberg speaking while standing behind a podium
Portland filmmaker Dave Hedberg on the documentary he is creating about the Green Legacy Hiroshima project in Oregon
Ginkgo tree and informational plaque with Rogue River Bridge in the background
VFW representatives displayed flags across the iconic bridge, and also spoke
Platers of cookies and other food on a table
Bouquets and refreshments galore
Wall of names (John F. Flemming/ Veteran Memorial/ Memorial Park/ John F. Fleming/ February 17, 1945 - April 29, 1967/ Danang Vietnam)
Veteran's Memorial wall
Hideko speaking while standing behind a podium
Hideko thanking Rogue River and sharing hope for peace in the world, moving forward together
JoAnn Dixon speaking while standing behind a podium
Coordinator JoAnn Dixon, Tree Committee, begins the celebration
Mayor Wayne Stuart speaking while standing behind a podium
Mayor Wayne Stuart welcomes all to John F. Fleming Memorial Park
Mike Oxendine speaking while standing behind a podium
Arborist Mike Oxendine, who initially germinated and cared for all the special seeds, shares his involvement
Dave Hedberg speaking while standing behind a podium
Portland filmmaker Dave Hedberg on the documentary he is creating about the Green Legacy Hiroshima project in Oregon
Audience in chairs on lawn and portable tent (City of Rogue River/ Tree City, USA)
Ginkgo tree and informational plaque with Rogue River Bridge in the background
VFW representatives displayed flags across the iconic bridge, and also spoke
Mike Oxendine and Hideko standing next to the Ginkgo tree
Mike and Hideko standing with the Peace tree
Platers of cookies and other food on a table
Bouquets and refreshments galore
Wall of names (John F. Flemming/ Veteran Memorial/ Memorial Park/ John F. Fleming/ February 17, 1945 - April 29, 1967/ Danang Vietnam)
Veteran's Memorial wall

Roseburg - Umpqua Community College - Ginkgo

Two men holding the Ginkgo sapling in an pot
Jim Paris and Jess Miller
A man kneels behind the planted Ginkgo tree in front of a campus building
Kevin Carson, RSC Treasurer
6 people stand/kneel behind the planted Ginkgo sapling in front of a campus building
6 people stand/kneel behind the planted Ginkgo sapling in front of a campus building
Two men holding the Ginkgo sapling in an pot
Jim Paris and Jess Miller
6 people stand/kneel behind the planted Ginkgo sapling in front of a campus building
6 people stand/kneel behind the planted Ginkgo sapling in front of a campus building
A man kneels behind the planted Ginkgo tree in front of a campus building
Kevin Carson, RSC Treasurer
Two men holding the Ginkgo sapling in an pot
Jim Paris and Jess Miller
A man kneels behind the planted Ginkgo tree in front of a campus building
Kevin Carson, RSC Treasurer
6 people stand/kneel behind the planted Ginkgo sapling in front of a campus building

Salem - Oregon Dept. of Forestry headquarters - Ginkgo - April 2nd, 2020

ODF planted a Hiroshima peace tree on its Salem headquarters campus on April 2, 2020. Due to the pandemic a public planting ceremony could not be held. So the public dedication was held on Sept. 21, 2022, International Peace Day, when it could finally be an in-person event. The dedication of the ODF tree in Salem was the capstone of the statewide celebration of 51 Hiroshima peace trees across Oregon. Watch the Hiroshima peace tree dedication at ODF's Salem headquarters Oregon Department of Forestry Celebrates Conclusion of Statewide Plantings of Hiroshima Peace Trees

A women stands behind a podium with Japanese and American flags
Oregon State Forester Cal Mukumoto welcomed host community representatives from around the state
A women stands behind a podium with Japanese and American flags
Kristin Ramstad, retired Urban & Community Forestry Program Manager, helped coordinate the distribution of peace trees throughout Oregon, along with ODF Public Affairs Specialist Jim Gersbach
A women holds a microphone and address an audience in front of a projection screen
Hideko Tamura Snider sharing her story
Two musicians play traditional Japanese stringed instruments
Koto players from Oregon Koto-Kai filling the air with Japanese melodies
Baha'i representative, Pastor Jerrell Williams of Salem Mennonite Church, and Rev. Patty Williams (r) lead dedication ceremony
Hideko waters the Ginkgo tree with the audience looking on in the background
Hideko blesses the tree with water
A man wearing baseball cap and flease sweatshirt
Scott Altenhoff, current Program Manager of O.D.F. Urban & Community Forestry speaks about 'People, Pandemics and Peace Trees'
A women and man stand in front of the Ginkgo tree with a basin of water and Japanese and American flags in the background
Hideko and Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs Specialist
A women kneels holding a potted sapling behind a row of potted saplings in the ground
Jennifer Killian, Corvallis Parks & Recreation, was unable to attend, but she was acknowledged for her years caring for the young saplings before they were released to host communities
Two men stand in front of a concrete block wall holding camera equipment
Filmmakers David-Paul B. Hedberg of Outdoor History Consulting and James Krzmarzick previewed the documentary they are creating about the planting of Hiroshima Peace Trees in Oregon
A women stands behind a podium with Japanese and American flags
Oregon State Forester Cal Mukumoto welcomed host community representatives from around the state
A women stands behind a podium with Japanese and American flags
Kristin Ramstad, retired Urban & Community Forestry Program Manager, helped coordinate the distribution of peace trees throughout Oregon, along with ODF Public Affairs Specialist Jim Gersbach
Two musicians play traditional Japanese stringed instruments
Koto players from Oregon Koto-Kai filling the air with Japanese melodies
A women and man stand in front of the Ginkgo tree with a basin of water and Japanese and American flags in the background
Hideko and Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs Specialist
A women kneels holding a potted sapling behind a row of potted saplings in the ground
Jennifer Killian, Corvallis Parks & Recreation, was unable to attend, but she was acknowledged for her years caring for the young saplings before they were released to host communities
A women holds a microphone and address an audience in front of a projection screen
Hideko Tamura Snider sharing her story
Baha'i representative, Pastor Jerrell Williams of Salem Mennonite Church, and Rev. Patty Williams (r) lead dedication ceremony
Hideko waters the Ginkgo tree with the audience looking on in the background
Hideko blesses the tree with water
A man wearing baseball cap and flease sweatshirt
Scott Altenhoff, current Program Manager of O.D.F. Urban & Community Forestry speaks about 'People, Pandemics and Peace Trees'
Two men stand in front of a concrete block wall holding camera equipment
Filmmakers David-Paul B. Hedberg of Outdoor History Consulting and James Krzmarzick previewed the documentary they are creating about the planting of Hiroshima Peace Trees in Oregon
A women stands behind a podium with Japanese and American flags
Oregon State Forester Cal Mukumoto welcomed host community representatives from around the state
Two musicians play traditional Japanese stringed instruments
Koto players from Oregon Koto-Kai filling the air with Japanese melodies
A women and man stand in front of the Ginkgo tree with a basin of water and Japanese and American flags in the background
Hideko and Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs Specialist
A women stands behind a podium with Japanese and American flags
Kristin Ramstad, retired Urban & Community Forestry Program Manager, helped coordinate the distribution of peace trees throughout Oregon, along with ODF Public Affairs Specialist Jim Gersbach
Hideko waters the Ginkgo tree with the audience looking on in the background
Hideko blesses the tree with water
A women kneels holding a potted sapling behind a row of potted saplings in the ground
Jennifer Killian, Corvallis Parks & Recreation, was unable to attend, but she was acknowledged for her years caring for the young saplings before they were released to host communities
A women holds a microphone and address an audience in front of a projection screen
Hideko Tamura Snider sharing her story
Baha'i representative, Pastor Jerrell Williams of Salem Mennonite Church, and Rev. Patty Williams (r) lead dedication ceremony
Two men stand in front of a concrete block wall holding camera equipment
Filmmakers David-Paul B. Hedberg of Outdoor History Consulting and James Krzmarzick previewed the documentary they are creating about the planting of Hiroshima Peace Trees in Oregon

Silverton - Oregon Garden - Ginkgo - April 18th, 2020

Sponsored by The Oregon Garden.

Hideko Standing next to Ginkgo tree
Early spring visit
Ginkgo tree in the center surrounded by a stepped landscaping and a bark pathway
Hideko Standing next to Ginkgo tree
Early spring visit
Ginkgo tree in the center surrounded by a stepped landscaping and a bark pathway
Hideko Standing next to Ginkgo tree
Early spring visit
Ginkgo tree in the center surrounded by a stepped landscaping and a bark pathway

Talent - Chuck Roberts Park - Ginkgo & Persimmon - October 10th, 2020

Sponsored by The City of Talent. These two Peace Trees at Chuck Roberts Park take on a special meaning as the dedication, originally delayed by COVID-19 concerns, occurred just days after the Almeda Fire was finally extinguished. The fire swept along the I-5 corridor and into Talent and neighboring Phoenix. Hundreds of homes and businesses were completely destroyed, showing this local Oregon community just a hint of the complete destruction visited upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki 75 years ago. Hideko's remarks (video).

Urban Forestry Chair Mike Oxendine (left) and City Councilor Jason Clark (right) flank Mayor Darby Ayers-Flood reading the Mayor's Proclamation
Oregon Community Trees board member Jim Gersbach tells audience about the statewide peace tree planting project
Green Legacy Ginkgo is marked by ceramic butterfly which survived the fire
Green Legacy Persimmon
Hideko sharing her appreciation
Attendees were limited due to COVID-19, but those present helped plant the trees in the rain
Boulders, a bench and other Japanese trees were added to create a quiet refuge at the upper end of the park. The special GHL trees will serve as reminders of resilience, hope and friendship as the city rebuilds.
Almeda Fire remains
The park was unscathed, but homes across the street burned to the ground
Urban Forestry Chair Mike Oxendine (left) and City Councilor Jason Clark (right) flank Mayor Darby Ayers-Flood reading the Mayor's Proclamation
Oregon Community Trees board member Jim Gersbach tells audience about the statewide peace tree planting project
Green Lagecy Ginkgo is marked by ceramic butterfly which survived the fire
Green Legacy Persimmon
Hideko sharing her appreciation
Attendees were limited due to COVID-19, but those present helped plant the trees in the rain
Almeda Fire remains
The park was unscathed, but homes across the street burned to the ground
Urban Forestry Chair Mike Oxendine (left) and City Councilor Jason Clark (right) flank Mayor Darby Ayers-Flood reading the Mayor's Proclamation
Oregon Community Trees board member Jim Gersbach tells audience about the statewide peace tree planting project
Boulders, a bench and other Japanese trees were added to create a quiet refuge at the upper end of the park. The special GHL trees will serve as reminders of resilience, hope and friendship as the city rebuilds.
Green Legacy Ginkgo is marked by ceramic butterfly which survived the fire
Green Legacy Persimmon
Almeda Fire remains
Hideko sharing her appreciation
Attendees were limited due to COVID-19, but those present helped plant the trees in the rain
The park was unscathed, but homes across the street burned to the ground

Remarks by Jason Clark, Talent City Councilor, October 10th, 2020

"We are honored to have Hideko Tamara-Snider here with us this morning. Since learning about the Peace Tree project, I have learned about all the amazing work you have done. And I so appreciate you because the need for the message you bring is so critical in this time. We would be remiss if we didn’t take time to acknowledge why there is a Peace Tree project in the first place. Folks around my age growing up in the cold war were very aware of the threat of nuclear war. But since then, the issue has faded in the public’s consciousness, but the threat is just a real now as it was then. And it will continue to be until we live in a world free of nuclear weapons. And I believe we have a responsibility to work for peace. Planting these Peace Trees is working for peace and I’m excited to be cooperating in this effort with all of you today. Thank you so much your work Hideko."

"Part of the message of the Peace Trees is about resilience in the face of disaster. So it’s very auspicious for us to be following through on implementing this project just one month since the disastrous Almeda Fire. The growth of these trees in these coming years will parallel the restoration of our community. And so I’ve been envisioning that in my mind and thinking about how planting and composting, watering and nurturing these trees is being and must continue to be matched by planting the seeds of love, compassion, and resilience in our community that will allow Talent to grow and prosper and be true to its roots."

Tillamook - Carnahan Park - Ginkgo - April 24th, 2021

Planted on Arbor Day by Mayor Suzanne Weber, City Manager Paul Wyntergreen, and several Public Works employees.

Newly planted Ginkgo tree with man holding a shovel with the Tillamook City logo. People in the background hold a Tree City USA / Arbor Day Foundation banner.
City Manager Paul Wyntergreen, Public Works employees, and Mayor Suzanne Weber
Newly planted Ginkgo tree with man holding a shovel with the Tillamook City logo. People in the background hold a Tree City USA / Arbor Day Foundation banner.
City Manager Paul Wyntergreen, Public Works employees, and Mayor Suzanne Weber
Newly planted Ginkgo tree with man holding a shovel with the Tillamook City logo. People in the background hold a Tree City USA / Arbor Day Foundation banner.
City Manager Paul Wyntergreen, Public Works employees, and Mayor Suzanne Weber

Turner - David Sawyer Park - Ginkgo - May 31st, 2022

Sponsored by the city of Turner Ginkgo tree Dedicated March 31, 2022. Photo credits: Linda Hansen, City Clerk

A man behind an informational display addressing the crowd
Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs (l); Mayor Steve Horning (m); Kristin Ramstad, ODF Urban Forestry Manager
Children plant the Ginkgo sapling near the informational pedestal in front of a crowd
Peace pole and metal sculpture made by Cascade High School manufacturing classes
A women stands behind an informational pedestal and addresses the crowd
Informational pedestal in front of the Ginkgo sapling surrounded by a protective metal fence
A child stands behind an informational pedestal and addresses the crowd
Four men stand between the Peace Pole and the informational pedestal with a gathered crowd and park buildings behind them
A crowd of 35 people stand along a park pathway watching the planting of the sapling
Turner students help with planting, and others recite haiku poems
A man behind an informational display addressing the crowd
Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs (l); Mayor Steve Horning (m); Kristin Ramstad, ODF Urban Forestry Manager
Ginkgo sapling sorounded by a protective metal fence
A crowd of 35 people stand along a park pathway watching the planting of the sapling
Four men stand between the Peace Pole and the informational pedestal with a gathered crowd and park buildings behind them
Children plant the Ginkgo sapling near the informational pedestal in front of a crowd
Turner students help with planting, and others recite haiku poems
A women stands behind an informational pedestal and addresses the crowd
Informational pedestal in front of the Ginkgo sapling surrounded by a protective metal fence
Peace pole and metal sculpture made by Cascade High School manufacturing classes
A child stands behind an informational pedestal and addresses the crowd
A man behind an informational display addressing the crowd
Jim Gersbach, ODF Public Affairs (l); Mayor Steve Horning (m); Kristin Ramstad, ODF Urban Forestry Manager
Ginkgo sapling surrounded by a protective metal fence
Informational pedestal in front of the Ginkgo sapling surrounded by a protective metal fence
Peace pole and metal sculpture made by Cascade High School manufacturing classes
Four men stand between the Peace Pole and the informational pedestal with a gathered crowd and park buildings behind them
Children plant the Ginkgo sapling near the informational pedestal in front of a crowd
Turner students help with planting, and others recite haiku poems
A women stands behind an informational pedestal and addresses the crowd
A crowd of 35 people stand along a park pathway watching the planting of the sapling

Vernonia - Ora Bolmeier Park - Ginkgo - August 27th, 2022

Peace tree from Hiroshima planted in Vernonia, Oregon, Vernonia Plants Hiroshima Peace Tree