American Landmarks: Oaks

Join a walking tour of historically and botanically significant oaks in The Huntington’s gardens.  

Then, explore the multifaceted importance of oaks in a panel conversation featuring Wallace Cleaves, Jared Farmer, and Nicole Cavender.  Beginning with some of the native California oaks on The Huntington’s campus that are as old or older than the United States, this conversation branches out to consider a broader array of stories connected to our “national tree.” As keystone species that support a wide range of wildlife, oaks have also been critical for human survival and well-being. The panelists will explore the cultural, botanical, and historical significance of these iconic trees in North America and invite the audience to join them in discussing how oaks might model more reciprocal relationships with the natural world and each other. 

Key Details 

• Reservations are required to attend the tour and talk. 
• Event check-in begins at 3:30 p.m. at Admissions Window #10.
• The Ahmanson Classroom is a 5–10-minute walk after check-in. Please plan accordingly.
• 4 p.m. Tour begins.
• 5–6:30 p.m. Panel and discussion. 

About the Speakers

Wallace Cleaves, Board Chair, Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, and Associate Dean and Director of the University Writing Program, University of California, Riverside 

Wallace Cleaves is a member of the Gabrielino/Tongva tribe and a scholar of medieval literature. Through the Tongva Taraxat Paxaavxa Conservancy, he has worked to ensure Tongva access to and stewardship of resources, including California oaks and their broader ecosystem. 

Jared Farmer, Walter H. Annenberg Professor of History, University of Pennsylvania 

Jared Farmer is an environmental historian and the author of five books, including two that focus on human relationships with woody plants: Trees in Paradise: A California History (2013) and (2022).