Frank & Evelyn Schmidt Family Foundation

Newlyweds Frank and Evelyn Schmidt planted their first trees on 10 acres located west of Troutdale, Oregon, near the nursery where Frank Jr. had grown up. He had learned how to grow trees from his father, J. Frank Schmidt, Sr., a leading nurseryman of his era. The rich alluvial soil that slopes gently northward toward the Columbia River was ideal for growing nursery stock. The post-war building boom was on, and there was a great demand for trees in cities, suburbs, industrial parks and public places.

Frank Jr. recognized a demand for trees of consistent quality, form and survivability, grown from superior parent stock. He soon carved a niche for himself by perfecting the mass production of bare root shade and flowering trees produced by grafting selected budded cultivars onto seedling rootstocks. From the start, it was important to Frank to produce the best quality trees possible and sell them at a reasonable price.

As J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co celebrates our Diamond Anniversary, our nursery is recognized worldwide as a leading supplier and introducers of superior trees. Frank Jr. passed away in 2004, and Evelyn in 2017, but their spirit and founding principles live on through their children and grandchildren who are leading the nursery into the future.

Founded in 1986 to mark the 40th Anniversary of the company, the Frank & Evelyn Schmidt Family Foundation has given millions of dollars in support of horticultural research, scholarship and education, to which approximately 2/3 of annual gifts are directed.

The Schmidt family recognizes the importance of community and family by directing the remaining 1/3 of annual gifts to medical research and local charitable organizations. Funding of medical research is given in memory of Joyce Schmidt, beloved eldest daughter of Frank and Evelyn. Joyce’s untimely death during her senior year in high school from a now-treatable illness inspires her family to support lifesaving medical research for future generations. As of our 75th anniversary, Foundation gifts total nearly $7 million.