Permission given by The Dawes Arboretum to place cache
Cache is located on free-access, private property
Cache is only available during Arboretum open hours
The Jesse Owens Tree Dedication at The Dawes Arboretum honors one of Ohio’s greatest athletes and one of the most important figures in Olympic history. The tree was dedicated to and by Jesse Owens on October 21, 1972. The dedicated tree is a Japanese zelkova, known scientifically as Zelkova serrata.
Jesse Owens was born James Cleveland Owens in Oakville, Alabama, on September 12, 1913, and later grew up in Cleveland, Ohio, where his athletic talent first drew national attention. He went on to compete for The Ohio State University, earning the nickname “The Buckeye Bullet.”
Owens became world famous at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin, where he won four gold medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, long jump, and 4×100-meter relay. His victories came under the shadow of Nazi Germany and stood as a powerful rebuke to racist claims of superiority.
Jesse dedicated his tree surrounded by children. The Lakewood Local School District 5th graders were onsite and were invited to watch the ceremony. The Dawes dedication links Owens’ Ohio story with a living symbol of strength and endurance. Like the tree planted in his honor, Owens’ legacy continues to grow—rooted in courage, excellence, perseverance, and the ability of one person’s achievement to inspire generations.
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About the Dutch Fork Wetlands: Dutch Fork Wetlands is a free access, 70-acre natural area at The Dawes Arboretum. It’s a restored wetland and grassland ecosystem with six pools, meadow habitat, boardwalks, flat gravel and grass trails, an observation deck, and a shelter house. It’s a great spot for a quiet walk, birding, wildlife viewing, and seeing wetland restoration in action.