April 1, 2026 3:30 a.m.  

The Travel Information Council, and its volunteer Oregon Heritage Tree Committee, is inviting communities across Oregon to shine a spotlight on their heritage trees in 2026, particularly during Arbor Month in April.

One of those heritage trees is in downtown Roseburg.

Founded in 1996, Oregon was the first state in the country to launch a state-sponsored heritage tree program. The goal of the program is to educate Oregonians about the value of these trees and promote their appreciation. Over the past 30 years, 85 trees have been designated across the state in 26 of Oregon’s 36 counties. 79 heritage trees are still living and provide the chance to engage the senses and learn about significant people, places, and events at historic sites, public gardens, and hiking trails across the state.

In Roseburg, the Courthouse Elm is a Heritage Tree. This tree was given to Douglas County by Binger Hermann, a U.S. Congressman. The occasion for the tree donation is not known for certain, but research suggests that it was given a dedication ceremony for the courthouse, which was rebuilt after a fire on December 7, 1898.

Oregon Heritage Trees can be located using a map: https://oregontic.com/oregon-heritage-trees/oregon-heritage-tree-map/