Hailey Heritage Trees
Hailey's Heritage Tree program recognizes and helps preserve historic and unique trees in Hailey. Heritage Trees might be large or mature trees, trees with unique botanical, aesthetic, ecological, or historical values, or trees with a special story.
This Ponderosa Pine was planted by homeowners Norma and John Hepworth on their property at 416 E Silver St in Hailey 57 years ago. In 2023, Hailey Tree Committee member Jim Rineholt nominated it as a heritage tree. The photo on the left of Norma and their son was taken when the Ponderosa was first planted; the photo on the right is Norma with her beautiful Ponderosa today.
     
John and Norma Hepworth moved to Hailey in 1967 when the Sawtooth National Forest hired John. They bought a little house at the corner of Silver and 5th and raised three kids there. John was a well-known Hailey resident and worked for the Forest Service for over 33 years. In 1967 he was given a ponderosa pine seedling and planted it in the corner of their yard not knowing if or how long it would survive. The seedling thrived and grew into a stately tree, now measuring 107 inches in circumference. John passed away in 2022. This tree was nominated in honor of John and Norma’s legacy and their contributions to the city of Hailey. The big tree dominates the corner of Silver and 5th and is a tree you can’t miss.
Ponderosa pine is native to Idaho and is a majestic tree that often grows up to 130 feet tall and four feet in diameter. During summer droughts it is known for closing its leaf pores to prevent water loss. Its thick bark is fire-resistant compared to more flammable fir trees. This hardy tree should be able to stand proud and strong for years to come.
There are 11 signed Heritage Trees in Hailey. We encourage you to visit them and learn more about our rich arboreal history. Click here for a map of Hailey's Heritage Trees!