The Goleta City Council unanimously approved the designation of five trees as the city’s first "heritage trees" on Tuesday night. This landmark decision officially recognizes trees across Goleta for their unique size, age, species, rarity, or historical and horticultural significance. The newly designated heritage trees include the Spanish fir, brush cherry, and Moreton Bay chestnut at the Stow House, the Australian willow at the Goleta Community Center, and the western sycamore witness tree at Jonny D. Wallis Park.
The heritage tree status provides important protections, meaning these trees cannot be removed unless they are dead, dying, or dangerous, and only then with prior notice to the city’s Public Tree Advisory Commission. The designation also "signals to staff" to increase the care provided to these specific trees, according to George Thomson, parks and open space manager. Mayor Paula Perotte commented on the significance of the moment, noting that the designation had been anticipated for some time, stating, "this is great." The Public Tree Advisory Commission advanced the recommendation to the City Council in June.
Several of the newly designated trees hold impressive distinctions. Thomson noted that the Australian willow at the Goleta Community Center, the Spanish fir at the Stow House, and the western sycamore witness tree at Jonny D. Wallis Park are all the largest trees of their kind in the country. "I will let that speak for itself," Thomson added regarding their record-breaking sizes.
The Australian willow, located in the Goleta Community Center courtyard at 5679 Hollister Ave., was a "centerpiece" of the historic 1927 Goleta Union School. A botanical assessment confirmed it is in good health and form.
At the Stow House, located at 304 N. Los Carneros Road, the three heritage trees have historical ties to the Stow family. The Spanish fir, likely planted in the 1870s as part of Ida Stow’s arboretum, is the largest of its species in the country. While a botanical assessment revealed some decay at its base, it was still deemed worthy of heritage status. Thomson explained that Spanish firs typically do not live as long, and only one other species is known on the South Coast.
The brush cherry tree at the Stow House is recognized as a state champion, making it the largest known living specimen of its kind in California. Thomson believes it could also be the national champion but has not been formally nominated as such. The Moreton Bay chestnut, estimated to have been planted in 1883, is not a state or national champion, but Thomson suggested it might be the first of its species planted in the South Coast region based on historical records. Both the brush cherry and Moreton Bay chestnut are reported to be in good condition.
The western sycamore witness tree at Jonny D. Wallis Park, situated at 170 S. Kellogg Ave., is estimated to be older than 250 years, potentially predating the United States and definitely older than the State of California, according to Thomson. This California native "witness tree" is confirmed to predate European colonization and is an important component of regional riparian restoration efforts, including across the South Coast. Thomson noted that "such a special tree, so much history there" and "it’s such an important part of the Goleta Valley," as stated by Councilman James Kyriaco. The tree is also historically linked to Daniel Hill, owner of Rancho La Goleta, and was used as a geographical marker in the 1860s. Cuttings from this specific tree have been used for recent plantings through Goleta’s Project Connect.
Goleta resident and arborist Ken Knight nominated the trees in 2023 and served on the Goleta Public Tree Advisory Commission. He stated that his ultimate objective was preservation, rather than just recognition. Many council members also expressed support for installing signage to identify the newly designated heritage trees and mark their special status within the city.
