“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.”

Other highlights extracted from this article:

• A guided tour of the site was conducted by State Park Ranger, Wendell Rickon of the Mendocino area.
• After the ceremony a No-Host Luncheon was held at the Little River Inn.
• A chartered bus load of 35 attended from Santa Rosa area garden clubs.
• Among others mentioned, The Mendocino County 4th District Supervisor, Augie Avila, was in attendance.
  
• Bill Montgomery of the Mendocino County Historical Society was accompanied by his parents.
• Preceding the event, another ceremony was accomplished by Mrs. Arthur Romer, Ukiah, who decorated the late Charlotte M. Hoak's grave in the Mendocino Cemetery, assisted by several members of Ukiah Garden Club.