Nonprofit holds contest to find biggest trees in Michigan
All you need to enter the Big Tree Hunt is a tree’s circumference at “chest height”— that’s 4.5 feet above the ground— and the tree’s location.
This black willow, submitted by Josh Stoltz, was awarded largest tree in Benzie County during the 2022 Big Tree Hunt.
The two-year search is almost over for participants of the Big Tree Hunt.
The contest, held by environmental nonprofit ReLeaf, challenges everyday citizens to try and find the biggest trees in Michigan.
There are five prize-winning categories, including:
- Largest tree submitted by someone under 15
- Largest tree submitted by someone 16 and up
- Largest tree by county
- Largest white pine (Michigan’s state tree)
- Any tree that is equal to or greater than the current state champion of a species
“We wanted to get people outside and looking up and being aware of trees and their benefits,” said ReLeaf Executive Director Melinda Jones. She hopes that the friendly competition better connects people with nature and tree conservation.
Looking for trees is one way ReLeaf engages families with young kids, but contestants span all ages.
“It also appeals to a lot of retirees,” said Jones. “They get just as big of a kick.”
ReLeaf reports that they’ve gotten submissions from 70 counties in Michigan so far. They hope to see submissions from the remaining 13 counties: Baraga, Branch, Hillsdale, Lake, Luce, Menominee, Montcalm, Newaygo, Ontonagon, Osceola, Otsego, Schoolcraft and Tuscola.
Crowning new champion trees
ReLeaf also wants Michiganders to work together to find new state and national champion trees.
Big Tree Hunt entries are sent to the Michigan Big Tree Register. Specialists then add additional information such as the height of the tree and its overall health before the tree is added to the national register.
Michigan currently has five recognized National Champion Trees.
How to enter
All you need to enter the Big Tree Hunt is a tree’s circumference at “chest height” — that’s 4.5 feet above the ground — and the tree’s location. All entered trees have to be alive, accessible, and new additions to the Michigan Big Tree Register in order to win prizes.
After submissions close, the biggest trees entered into the contest are verified by volunteers, who verify the circumference and species of the nomination.
The last day to enter online or through mail is August 22, 2025.
A photo submission from the 2023-2025 Big Tree Hunt, provided by ReLeaf Michigan
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