 "A Los Angeles Times" article in June, 1912 compared Lukens to the famed Johnny Appleseed.Locally, his work at Henninger Flats was recognized when the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and George H. Maxwell, executive director of the National Reclamation Association, inspected the tree nursery and nearby slopes, accompanied by Lukens.Afterwards, the Pasadena "Star", on June 21, 1915 reported-
"It was truthfully and justly the proudest moment of Mr. Lukens' life.