It’s official: Oak is now America’s national tree

Thousand Oaks residents have long admired the huge stately trees the city is named for. Now, with congressional passage and presidential signing of a historic bill, the oak is officially designated as America’s National Tree.

The selection of the oak comes after a four-month open public vote, hosted by the National Arbor Day Foundation at its website.

The city of Thousand Oaks and 92.7 LITE FM radio station collaborated to host a "Vote the Oak" campaign in coordination with the national foundation’s campaign.

"We should all be proud that our namesake tree has been designated the national tree and that we helped by casting our votes," said Mayor Claudia Bill-de-la Pena.

Oak votes totaled 101,000 to edge out the redwood, which earned 81,000 votes. There are more than 60 species of oak growing in the U.S., making it the most widespread variety of hardwood. The varieties found in the local area are Valley Oak, Coast Live Oak and Scrub Oak.

The city of Thousand Oaks and Conejo Recreation and Park District are planning an Arbor/Earth Day celebration April 9 at Conejo Creek Park. For more information, visit www.toaks.org.