: Do not cut, harvest, purchase, or donate any trees at this time. We are only looking for tips and information on where to locate these trees. Have information? Pleaseor call Chief of Maintenance Tim Thornhill at



Thank you for helping us with our search. For the past ten months the staff of Saugus Iron Works has been searching for suitable white oak trees to complete the construction of five new waterwheels. We've partnered with an experienced timber company to locate suitable trees, but have been unable to locate any to-date. The existing waterwheels are the most popular visitor demonstrations in the park, but are rapidly aging and require replacement - some are already inoperable.

The Problem

Our staff is currently constructing five new waterwheels by hand using traditional methods, but are unable to complete each wheel without the crucial center shaft (or hub). If we are unable to locate a shaft in a reasonable period of time, the waterwheels may never be completed.



What We Need

Five white oak trees. Each tree must have a straight trunk and be a minimum of 34" in diameter and a minimum 28' tall. Larger trees and single trees are OK.



Each tree will be cut, debarked and turned on a large lathe to become shafts for an individual waterwheel. We're building waterwheels of various sizes and each wheel needs a shaft that is custom fit to the individual wheel.

What's In It For You

These trees will provide for the enjoyment of thousands of future visitors to the Iron Works, as the waterwheels are the most popular attraction in the park. You'll also gain the satisfaction of knowing you assisted with the operation and preservation of a National Park. Any individuals providing successful tips, leads or information on potential trees will be recognized with a letter from the Park Superintendent.



Do you know of any white oak trees available for harvesting on private, local, state, tribal or federal lands? (See specifications above.)



Are you a forester or timber harvester who can offer information or guidance to help in our search?



Help us crowdsource this search on social media and the web by using this graphic and the link "https://go.nps.gov/treesearch"

You can assist us in our search in any of the following ways:Pleaseor call Chief of Maintenance Tim Thornhill atif you answered "Yes" to any of the above questions or would like to helpYou can also read our recent press release, " National Park Service Begins Crowdsourced, Nationwide Search for Trees " for more information.