The Royal Oak planted as a sapling in 1860 at Arnprior’s Galilee Retreat Centre has been recognized as a heritage tree under Trees Ontario’s Ontario Heritage Tree Program. It all started last fall when MFNC Conservation Committee member Chris Grubisic sent details of the historic oak to Trees Ontario to apply for the honour. Chris was tenacious in her follow up and delighted when it was approved in time for Earth Day April 22.
The Royal Oak was planted by the 19-year-old Prince of Wales, eldest son of Queen Victoria, who later became Edward VII, on his tour to New York and Canada.