-
Outdoors
Outdoors
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 2023-2024 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 at bigtreehunt.com. The contest will accept submissions until Aug. 25, 2024. If you have a question, email bigtreehunt@releafmichigan.org 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 31. 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.
ReLeaf Michigan’s contest is a fun activity for families, friends, or solo adventurers to participate in while enjoying the beauty of Michigan. Now grab your measuring tape, a friend, or a family member and head into the trees.
About ReLeaf Michigan
ReLeaf Michigan is the only statewide volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) tree planting and education organization in Michigan. Its mission is to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant and maintain them. Its board is made up primarily of arborists, foresters and researchers who are passionate about preserving one of Michigan’s greatest resources: trees.
Since 1988, ReLeaf Michigan has worked with more than 400 communities across the state, planting more than 30,000 trees on public property in Michigan’s cities, townships and villages. Unlike most tree planting organizations, ReLeaf Michigan plants trees that are already substantial in size, resulting in a higher survival rate and more immediate environmental impact.
ReLeaf Michigan believes our communities are stronger when they are greener. People are healthier, the air is cleaner, infrastructure is more efficient, and the economy is stronger with trees. Visit www.releafmichigan.org to learn more.