Crescenta Highlands in Glendale in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The McFall Oak
— 2009 Station Fire —
Photographed By Craig Baker, January 13, 2024
1. The McFall Oak Marker
In recognition of the leadership of Assistant City Manager Bob McFall to preserve this heritage oak during the 2009 Station Fire, the Community Services & Parks Department has designated this stately tree as "The McFall Oak."
Erected by City of Glendale.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2009.
Location. 34° 15.043′ N, 118° 15.052′ W. Marker is in Glendale, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Crescenta Highlands. Marker can be reached from Dunsmore Avenue, half a mile north of Markridge Road, on the left when traveling north. Located in Deukmejian Wilderness Park. Hike 0.2 miles north from the Stone Barn Nature Center to the Oak. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3429 Markridge Rd, La Crescenta CA 91214, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ananda Ashrama (approx. half a mile away); Tuna Canyon Detention Station (approx. 1.6 miles away); Sister Elsie’s Well (approx. 1.7 miles away); Crescenta Valley Park (approx. 1.9 miles away); Verdugo Hills Cemetery (approx. 2 miles away); The Bell of La Crescenta Elementary School (approx. 2.2 miles away); Bolton Hall (approx. 2.2 miles away); St. Luke’s of the Mountains (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Glendale.
this page online
Regarding The McFall Oak.
(text from a sign at the nature center:)
In 2009 Bob McFall was the Assistant City Manager of Glendale. One of Bob's many responsibilities was to help run the city Emergency Operations Center during disasters and other times of need.
On August 26th this proved fateful when an arsonist set light to the Angeles Forest northeast of Glendale. Within days the blaze was monstrous and heading towards Glendale's northern side.
While county fire fighters headed to the blaze, the Glendale Emergency Operations Center came to life, led by Glendale Fire Chief Harold Scaggs.
When word came down from the County that parts of Deukmejian Wilderness Park were to be back-burned, Bob knew instantly what would be lost.
Bob had grown up with the San Gabriel Mountains and the Angeles Crest Forest. He knew every square inch & he especially knew Deukmejian Park.
There was one grand old oak tree there. That centuries old oak had seen the rise & fall of history in Glendale, survived historic floods, stood through fires, housed bandits, & seen a community grow.
Bob had spent time picknicking with his daughter under that oak, and years earlier he had seen how hard the community fought to save the wildlands there & create Deukmejian Park in the first place.
It was tense in the Operations Center. No one had slept much and the immense devastation of the fire was taking a toll on the staff. Exhausted but full of passion, Bob said to fire chief Scaggs,
Photographed By Craig Baker, January 13, 2024
2. The McFall Oak and Marker
Fire chief Scaggs looked at Bob, "Bob, you are right" he said, "we need to save something, and we are going to save that tree!"
The men worked tirelessly. They dug and cleared the brush from around the old oak. Then with resolve in the face of the giant fire they burned back the chaparral and forest to remove a belt of fuel.
Today the canyons of Deukmejian Park are renewed. Animals and birds flourish in the chaparral. There are wildflowers in spring watching over all of it is the giant old oak.
The tree is now known as the McFall Oak. It stands as a testament of how with hearty conviction one person can make a difference. One person can move others and we can work together to make a better world for all of us.
Also see . . . Stone Barn Nature Center. (Submitted on January 14, 2024.)
Photographed By Craig Baker, January 13, 2024
3. The McFall Oak
Photographed By Craig Baker
4. "The McFall Oak"
"A story about a tree, a man, and a fire."
Located at the Stone Barn Nature Center.
Located at the Stone Barn Nature Center.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 2, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 70 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 14, 2024, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
