Legacy Trees Project
The Legacy Trees Project was nurtured into existence by the Sacramento Art community’s desire to
uncover a deeper understanding of the beauty and importance of historic trees in the city of Sacramento,
by repurposing dangerous, diseased and dying trees felled by the city and property owners into works of
art.
In April of 2007, the nonprofit Sacramento Education Events for Art (SEEART) partnered with
Councilmember Steve Cohn’s office and the State Department of General Services (DGS) to acquire a
historic (or “legacy”) 129-year-old Tulip Poplar tree from the state capitol grounds. This legacy tree—
along with a California Black Walnut tree that stood for more than a hundred years at the intersection
of Fair Oaks Blvd. and Howe Ave.—formed the nucleus for Sacramento’s Legacy Trees Project. These
trees are being used as part of the project’s arts education initiative involving amateur and professional
artists, woodcarvers, sculptors and furniture makers.
“SEEART’s goal for these art and education activities is to increase the public awareness of the historic
importance of these trees, and the potential of continuing legacy through public art exhibition for these
wonderful trees that provide so many benefits to our community,” said executive director, James L.
Cooper.
SEEART, in partnership with neighbors, businesses and the city of Sacramento, has succeeded in
producing quality arts and education programs that include the Midtown Murals Project, Arts for the
Generations and Mural Project Kids summer arts program.
What is a Legacy Tree?
A Legacy Tree, is at least 100 years old, slated to be removed by the city because of disease or danger,
located in a signifi cant setting and/or has a noteworthy place in the heart of Sacramentens for it’s beauty,
longevity and meaning to the community.
Legacy Trees
In April of 2007, SEEART obtained it’s first Legacy Tree—a 129-year-old Tulip Poplar located on the
California State Capitol grounds. At more than 100 feet tall and seven feet in diameter, it took seven
people over a two-day period to cut and remove. The tree was planted on the capitol grounds in 1878—
just one year before Thomas Edison created the incandescent light bulb (1879), not quite a decade after
the completion of the transcontinental railroad (1869), only 28 years after the admission of California
into the Union (1850), and a mere three decades after the fi rst discovery of gold in the American River
(1848).
Later in 2007, the group obtained a massive California Black Walnut tree near the corner of Fair Oaks
Blvd. and Howe Ave. that was in danger of splitting in half. Measuring approximately fi ve feet in
diameter and more than 90 feet tall, this tree was originally planted more than a century ago along the
wagon path to Fair Oaks from Sacramento.
A Sequoia Redwood tree—the latest addition to the project—was obtained last year near the old state
fairgrounds in Tahoe Park. At more than 100 feet tall and four feet in diameter, the tree is estimated to be
between 150-175 years old.
Cycle of a Legacy Tree
After notification of a qualifying felled tree, SEEART volunteers cut and haul it away to a donated
storage space. After the tree has been dried and cured, it is distributed to regional artists and craftspeople
who will give back a certain percentage of sales from the art created, or donate a piece of art made with
the wood to SEEART to help continue the Legacy Trees Program. Monetary donations are also accepted
in exchange for wood.
“Legacy” of Legacy Trees
Regional artists and craftspeople who are involved in the Legacy Trees Project have all ready created
beautiful works of fine and functional art, and custom hand-crafted woodwork featured in private homes.
Monetary and art donations ensure the “legacy” of the Legacy Trees Project will continue for future
artists and craftspeople. SEEART plans a gallery show featuring art made with these trees within the
next 18 months.
SEEART’s goal is to eventually commission fi ne artwork and functional art for public places. “We’d
like to see it develop into a project that continues to recover and utilize the resources of historic and
signifi cant trees in the community,” said James Cooper, SEEART executive director. “We’d like
continue to be able to put that resource in the hands of artists and craftspeople on an ongoing basis.”
Where can more information be found on the Legacy Trees Project?
For more information, contact:
James L. Cooper
SEEART Executive Director
Phone: (916) 910-4458
Website: www.seeart.org
Email: jcooper@seeart.org