A man on an ATV undid the hard work of volunteers Friday night, damaging dozens of Garry oak saplings planted at Oak Harbor’s Centennial Oak Grove.

A woman coming home from work from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island reported seeing someone in an ATV tearing around the former Boyer property at the corner of Fakkema Road and State Highway 20.

When she stopped to investigate, he left the scene.

The man on the ATV rode through a large patch of 100 saplings, planted last fall by volunteers and city staff, said Brad Gluth, city civil engineer and one of the leaders of the Oak Harbor Garry Oak Society.

The stakes and blue protective sleeves protecting the saplings lay scattered around the area Tuesday afternoon. Many of the oaks were crushed or missing branches.

“I am disgusted,” he said, surveying the scene. “A lot of people put effort into creating something beautiful for the community.”

People from around the community grew the oaks from Oak Harbor acorns, babying them in backyards and gardens. Local businesses chipped in with wood shavings and compost.

The idea was visitors to Oak Harbor driving along Highway 20 would first see the jets at Ault Field — a nod to the town’s military heritage — followed by the oak grove, a nod to the city’s history.

Some of the trees might be salvageable. Parks workers may come out and try to repair what they can before critters munch the exposed saplings, Gluth said.

Now the police want the public’s help finding the culprit. The witness said the damage occurred around 9:30 p.m. Friday. She described the rider as a young, lanky white male with shoulder-length dirty blond hair. She watched him ride his ATV southeast on a trail that leads to a small cluster of homes.

“I’m pretty sure somebody knows who exactly who this is,” Gluth said.

Those with information should contact Sgt. Cedric Niiro at 360-279-4600 or cniiro@oakharbor.org.