 |
|
OKLAHOMA
Eastern Redbud (Cercis
canadensis) in the Grove of States, Oregon |
My friend Caroline Hatton, a frequent contributor to this blog, came upon the Oregon Grove of the States in May 2022. She took all the photos in this post.
 |
|
Grove of the States sign, walking path, trees and their labels, and car ramp from the freeway |
Travel in Oregon is full of delightful surprises. While driving south from Portland on Interstate 5, I discovered the Grove of the States at the French Prairie Rest Area (Milepost 281).
 |
|
OREGON Douglas Fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) cone |
The Grove is a “state arboretum” where the 50 states in the USA plus the District of Columbia are each represented by their official tree. Taking a close look at every tree is a great excuse for a brisk walk to break up a long drive!
 |
|
TENNESSEE Tulip Poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera). Other Tulip Poplars in the Grove represent Indiana and Kentucky |
 |
|
NEW HAMPSHIRE Paper Birch (Betula papyrifera) |
Oregon Attorney General Robert Y. Thornton dreamed up this grove in 1967 to honor the First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, and her work culminating with the 1965 Highway Beautification Act.
 |
|
MAINE Eastern White Pine (Pinus strobus) |
 |
|
PENNSYLVANIA Eastern Hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) |
 |
|
SOUTH DAKOTA White Spruce (Picea glauca) |
As a fan of conifers, which tend to grow in the wild in vast forests of mostly one species, I especially appreciated seeing different ones within only a few steps.
All text and photos, copyright Caroline Arnold. www.theintrepidtourist.blogspot.com
