Lincoln seeks heritage status for 400-year-old Grand Oak in Vineland to protect it and boost tourism.

The Town of Lincoln is pursuing heritage designation for the 400-year-old Grand Oak tree at 4600 Victoria Ave. in Vineland, recognized as a symbol of the region’s Indigenous and settler history. Estimated at 300 to 450 years old, the tree stands on land patented in 1803 and tied to the Mennonite Culp family. After a two-year assessment by ERA Architects, town officials plan to present a bylaw for council approval by late spring, following public input. If approved, the designation would protect the tree from removal without evaluation and may include a plaque and benches. The move, supported by local business owner Jan-Willem Stulp, aims to raise awareness and boost tourism. The tree is near the historic Comfort Maple.