NEWS RELEASE
RELEAF MICHIGAN
*************************
ReLeaf Michigan, the only statewide tree planting and education non-profit organization in Michigan, is seeking entries for the 16th biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest. The 2023-24 contest, which offers prizes for identifying the biggest trees in Michigan, is open to participants of all ages.
ReLeaf Michigan started the Michigan Big Tree Hunt in 1993 to celebrate our state’s beauty and create a fun way to gather information about Michigan’s biggest trees. The contest is an opportunity for all age groups to help track these vital historical living landmarks, and it is a great way to bring people, nature, and trees together in an engaging activity.
The largest trees in the state can be found anywhere: a backyard, a local park, or a hiking trail. The last contest received over 650 entries from 79 of Michigan’s 83 counties, with over 100 certificates and prizes awarded. Winners are recognized for the largest tree submitted from each county, the overall largest tree in different age groups, and the largest White Pine (Michigan’s state tree). The contest also awards trees that may be the biggest of its type (for example, sugar maple). These are known as champion trees and are tracked at the state and federal levels. The state database is currently held and managed by the Michigan Botanical Society, while the national database is maintained by the American Forest organization.
As recently as 2012, Michigan had 23 registered champion trees, but today there are only five registered with at least one pending registration. Since hundreds of tree species don’t yet have registered champions, the Big Tree Hunt is a great opportunity to add to this list and get Michigan trees noticed nationwide. Even if the tree you’ve found is not as large as the currently listed state champion of that species, we encourage you to still submit since the current champion may have died or have been removed.
More contest details and the entry form are available online. The contest will accept submissions until Aug. 25, 2024. If you have a question, email [email protected] or call (800) 642-7353. Follow ReLeaf Michigan’s Facebook page for updates and to see the “Big Tree of the Week,” an entry from the contest posted every Monday starting July 31st. Paper entry forms will soon be available at over 200 libraries and natural areas across the state!
ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt contest is only possible with the support of sponsors, and this year’s Premier Sponsor is still available. Please contact Kevin Singer at 248-408-8266 to learn about the statewide exposure and engagement that a Premier sponsor will receive in association with the contest. Other sponsors include Consumers Energy Foundation and the Michigan Botanical Club. The contest also receives in-kind support from the Michigan Department of National Resources - Urban and Community Forestry Program and Michigan State University.
*************************
