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www.arborage.com Arbor Age / June 2014 17 simultaneously as pilot plantings were occurring, allowing for spontaneous feedback. The inaugural tree planting took place at Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. Located in Loudoun County, Va., Oatlands is at the geographical center of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway and is one of two National Trust Historic Sites within the corridor. Trees play a central role in the history at Oat- lands — from the magnifi cent maples and oaks that line the drive, to the stunning specimen trees that preside over Oat- lands' historic buildings and walled garden. The trees, many of which were standing during the Civil War, are considered premier and priceless specimens. "Oatlands is well loved for its spectacular, historic trees lining the front drive and sur- rounding the historic mansion, greenhouse and gardens," Oatlands Executive Director Andrea McGimsey stated. More than 300 new trees have been planted on the property as part of the Living Legacy Project. During the dedication cer- emony, former Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton and National Trust for Historic Preservation President and Chief Executive Offi cer Stephanie Meeks, two early supporters of the project, spoke at the event. Up the road from Oatlands, the Town of Leesburg, Va., has signed on as an early proponent and participant in the Living Legacy Project. In late 2013, as part of an elaborate streetscap- ing plan with the town's South King Street widening proj- ect, 108 trees were planted and dedicated to fallen Civil War soldiers. "The timing of the three-phase planting project was fortunate," said Bill Ferrence, parks & public space planner and the urban forester for the Town of Leesburg. "The Town was able to slightly modify a previously planned and ade- quately funded gateway improvement project and integrate it into the Journey Through Hallowed Ground's efforts to establish a continuous corridor of cohesive plantings along the byway. The Town made some simple adjustments to its plans in order to use much of JTHG's palette of native trees and shrubs and the result should provide both a signifi cant and sustainable addition to the Town's tree canopy, as well as a visual and cultural connection to neighboring communities in this historic corridor." A second phase of the South King Street project, which will include similar improvements and additional Living Legacy Project trees, will be completed soon, and include approximately 50 additional trees. A third phase, planned for 2015, may involve another 100 trees. "The Town of Leesburg is an enthusiastic partner in the Journey's Living Legacy project. Leesburg takes great pride in knowing that we will be planting hundreds more of these very special trees," said Kristen Umstattd, Mayor of Town of Lees- burg. "We have made the Living Legacy part of our offi cial approach to planning and development, and are encouraging our public and private sector partners to join the Journey's efforts to commemorate the life of each Civil War soldier lost with a living memorial." At the northern terminus of this scenic byway, in Get- tysburg, Pa., 77 trees have been planted in collaboration with the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and the Gettysburg Seminary Ridge Museum, including the dedica- tion of a Witness Tree that was on the property at the time of the battle. Placed at the center of the most intense fi ght- ing of the Battle of Gettysburg, the Lutheran Theological Seminary and its iconic Seminary Ridge Museum received a National Scenic Byways program grant to create a one-mile outdoor trail — featuring trees planted as part of the Living Legacy Project — that complements the museum visit with wayside markers. "Long acting as steward of the landscape that witnessed this powerful moment in the nation's life, this planting represents an important and continuing commit- ment to bring to life the voices of key fi gures such as Daniel Payne and Lydia Zeigler who have much to teach us today," said the Rev. John Spangler, president of the Seminary Ridge Oatlands Historic House and Gardens. Loudoun County, Va. Photos on this page by Kenneth Garrett. Copyright Journey Through Hallowed Ground Partnership. Monticello