Pacific Palisades in Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Santa Monica Forestry Station

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 7, 2018

1. Santa Monica Forestry Station Marker

Inscription. In 1887, the State Board of Forestry established the nation's first experimental forestry station. Located in Rustic Canyon, the station tested exotic trees for planting in California, established plantations for management studies, and produced planting stock for scientific and conservation purposes. The station was operated by the Board of Forestry until 1893 and by the University of California until 1923.

Erected 1971 by California Parks, the California Division Of Forestry, and the City & County of Los Angeles. (Marker Number 840.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks, and the Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument series lists.

Location. 34° 2.214′ N, 118° 30.907′ W. Marker is in Los Angeles, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Pacific Palisades. Marker is at the intersection of Latimer Road and Hilltree Road, on the left when traveling north on Latimer Road. Located south of the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 574 Latimer Road, Pacific Palisades CA 90272, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking

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distance of this marker. Rustic Canyon Eucalyptus Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); Uplifters Clubhouse (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rancho Boca de Santa Monica (approx. 0.3 miles away); Pacific Palisades (approx. 0.3 miles away); Canyon Elementary School (approx. 0.4 miles away); Ysidro Reyes Adobe (approx. 0.4 miles away); Marquez Filling Station (approx. 0.4 miles away); Barsha House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.

Regarding Santa Monica Forestry Station. In the 1920’s this land was purchased by Harry Haldeman, grandfather of Watergate conspirator H.R. Haldeman, for use by members of the exclusive men’s club, the Los Angeles Athletic Club. Calling their group the Uplifters, the name referred to both the uplifting of the arts and the hoisting of cocktails. Their clubhouse, designed by architect William Dodd, was dedicated in 1923. Members leased lots nearby for $100, and some built cabins. After the Depression, movie stars moved in and built larger homes. In 1953 the clubhouse, along with the nearby eucalyptus grove, was donated to Los Angeles and is now the Rustic Canyon Recreation Center. In 2008 the eucalyptus grove was designated Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 935.

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 7, 2018

2. Santa Monica Forestry Station Marker

Latimer Road, Looking North image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 7, 2018

3. Latimer Road, Looking North

Rustic Canyon Recreation Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 7, 2018

4. Rustic Canyon Recreation Center

Nearby Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Craig Baker, July 7, 2018

5. Nearby Marker

Uplifters Clubhouse, built 1923. Architect William J. Dodd. Los Angeles historic landmark #663.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 447 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 8, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.