Citizens Gather to Continue to Support the Historic Garry Oak in City of Tumwater

For Immediate Release June 9, 2024

Hashtag: #tumwateroak

Citizens Gather to Continue to Support the Historic Garry Oak in City of Tumwater

OLYMPIA— On Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 4pm to 7pm, more than 50 concerned citizens gathered at the Davis Meeker Garry Oak on Highway 99 in Tumwater, WA.

The event was a celebration of this week’s success, an opportunity to spread the word, and a chance to discuss steps toward permanent protection. People of all ages came out to admire the tree and share stories about its meaning to the community.

The Davis-Meeker Oak was granted a reprieve from a planned removal ordered by the Tumwater Mayor after an overwhelming number of citizens appealed to the city council on Tuesday evening. The action is on hold while a new assessment of the health of the tree is conducted. “We are here and the tree still stands,” said Wendy Eisler, a concerned Tumwater resident who came to show her support.

The gathering was quiet but positive, as people reviewed the emotional week. “It’s been really hard, but I think we are in a good place,” said Shani Duncan, a member of Save the Davis-Meeker Gary Oak (SDMGO) citizens group.

Several families with children attended the event. It was a beautiful day to admire the oak and wonder at how many generations of children have lingered under her branches.

Teri Graves, a member of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe, shared stories of the meaning of the Davis-Meeker Oak to her people. And with her encouragement, red prayer flags were tied to the fence surrounding the tree. “The trees are our first teachers,” said Graves. “The Ancestors can see red.”

On Thursday day a pair of kestrels was confirmed to be nesting in the tree by Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. These small raptors are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so no action can be taken that could disturb the tree until the fledglings leave the nest.

Spread the word! Join SDMGO and help save The Davis-Meeker Oak. Visit www.davis-meekeroak.org for more information, donate at gofund.me/ab467b73, and follow Save The Old Oak Tree, The Davis Meeker Garry Oak Tree in Tumwater WA on Facebook to find out about the next gathering and volunteer. Everyone is welcome in this community.

Penny and Nani Stewart from Rainier, WA Wendy Eisler, photographer

Savanna and Phoenix Stewart from Tenino Penny Stewart from Rainier (no relation) Wendy Eisler, photographer

(from right to left) Art and Barbara Wuerth from Tumwater Stewart Hartman from Lacey Chad Kramer from Tumwater Michelle Peterson’s two dogs Nani Stewart from Rainier Tom Oliva from Tumwater Marles Blackbird from Olympia Chris Kautsky, photographer

Not Today Colonizer. Respect Existence or Expect Resistance. Cowlitz Tribe members Teri Graves of Carbonado and Sahra Forespring of Tacoma stand in front of the Davis Meeker oak. June 8, 2024. Photo by Ronda Larson Kramer

Marles Blackbird of Olympia ties a red ribbon at the oak tree. The Davis Meeker oak is a headstone for the Native Americans buried there. According to some tribes, red is the only color the ancestors can see. June 8, 2024. Photo by Ronda Larson Kramer

Protect Living History. Marles Blackbird of Olympia holds a sign while Chad Kramer of Olympia (with dog Gus) and Stewart Hartman of Tumwater watch on, next to the Davis Meeker oak and the historic hangar. June 8, 2024. Photo by Ronda Larson Kramer

Rob Stewart and Phoenix Stewart of Tenino in front of the Davis Meeker oak June 8, 2024. Photo by Ronda Larson Kramer

Community Gathers in Support of Meeker Oak

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