Presidential Grove Tree pieces, 2025

In April of 1911, former United States President Theodore Roosevelt visited the University of Idaho when he delivered a talk to a crowd of over 8,000. Prior to his speech, he planted a blue spruce on the lawn of the UI Administration building. Six months later, sitting President William H. Taft visited the UI campus and planted a Port Orford cedar to the grove.

On December 17th, 2025, a severe windstorm hit the Palouse region of the Idaho and Washington. Homes, vehicles, and countless trees were damaged, including the trees planted by Roosevelt and Taft. These pieces were saved by UI Facilities Landscaping staff along with pieces for other uses. These other uses include hopes of grafting scions from these two trees as well as other trees damaged during the storm and for University and student projects from various colleges.