About Charlotte M. Hoak Pygmy Forest     

"State Garden Clubs Holds Pygmy Forest Dedication"

Ukiah Daily Journal, 3 Oct. 1969, Friday, page 3;

“Dedication of five acres of the Pygmy Forest on the coast, a botanical oddity, was held Monday (Sept. 29, 1969) by the California Garden Clubs Inc. the ceremony including, at it's close, the turning over of the project to the state.

The big moment of the event was the unveiling by Mrs. Milton R. Bell, Walnut Creek, state president, of the bronze marker designating the project as a memorial to Charlotte M. Hoak, Comptche born pioneer, recognized for her work in conservation."

Given to State:

Gift of the acreage, bought by the clubs within the membership of the Garden Clubs of California, Inc., through several years of effort, was accepted by William P. Mott Jr, director of the California Department of Parks and Recreation. He said a resolution would be presented to keep the acreage forever in it's natural state, as a part of Van Damme State Park, which it adjoins and will be a part of.

In charge was Mrs. J. E. Harton of Napa, chairman of the Pygmy Forest dedication. She introduced, for the eulogy to Charlotte M. Hoak, Mrs Earl Snook of Willits, Mendocino-Lake District conservation chairman, who reviewed the conservation efforts of the late Charlotte M. Hoak.

Describes Forest:
Dr. Hans Jenny of Berkeley, professor emeritus of the University of California, told about the forest, how the podsol, or soil, so-named by the Russians, lacks nutrients for growth of the trees, a unique condition making the Forest a scientific study.”

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