Seedlings from Jack's Oak for sale

For those who would literally like to own “a piece of history,” Jack London State Historic Park is offering for sale a limited number of seedlings from the tree that inspired the world-famous writer in his final years.

As has been previously reported in the Index-Tribune and elsewhere, the 400-year-old Heritage Oak tree at Jack London State Historic Park, known as “Jack’s Oak” as it stands outside the cottage where London lived his final years and died in 1916, is nearing the end of its life.

When it became clear several years ago that the tree would have to be removed, a number of acorns were collected from the tree and have been nurtured at Quarryhill Botanical Garden in Glen Ellen to develop seedlings that could be replanted.

In honor of Arbor Day earlier this year, and as part of the ongoing 2016 Centennial Celebration of Jack London’s life, one of those seedlings was planted at Montini Preserve in Sonoma with a plaque nearby explaining its history for future generations. Several other seedlings have been planted, on the historic park property and donated to the city of Piedmont, where London lived in the East Bay.

As of this writing, there remain only four seedlings from Jack’s Oak that are available to the public to purchase as a donation to help support Jack London State Historic Park. In addition to the opportunity to own a piece of history and share it with future generations, donors will receive a special certificate testifying to the authenticity of their tree.

There will be a registry of all seedlings purchased, by whom and where they are planted acknowledging the contribution to preserve a natural resource and a cultural legacy.

A mission of Jack London State Historic Park is to have the seedlings of Jack’s Oak branch out into the community to “grow” the story of this remarkable natural treasure. As Jack London did a century ago, the hope is that community members will one day be able to write, read and find solace beneath the seedling of this majestic oak carrying on the historical legacy as well as the natural cycle of the tree’s life and progeny.

Of all his writings, the only play Jack London wrote was “The Acorn Planter,” written in 1916. London used the metaphor of planting acorns to celebrate the coming of agriculture to Sonoma Valley and, in doing so, connected acorn planting with peace-making.

Now, 100 years later, it seems this concept may still resonate for some.

Anyone interested in purchasing a seedling, contact Jack London State Historic Park Executive Director Tjiska Van Wyk at tvanwyk@jacklondonpark.com or 938-3689.