(WWJ) – The hunt for Michigan’s biggest trees has once again begun.
The 16th Biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt is now open, running through Aug. 25, 2024, as the organization ReLeaf Michigan is seeking entries from anyone and everyone across the state.
The contest happens every two years and offers prizes to those who can identify the biggest trees in Michigan.
The biggest trees recorded in the Big Tree Hunt that ended in 2022 were both cottonwoods found in Southeast Michigan.
Youth hunter Aidan Presnell found a tree with a 308-inch circumference in Washtenaw County, while a 301-inch tree was reported by Mike Antoszewski and Paul Funk in Monroe County, according to the Michigan DNR.
The DNR says Michigan is currently home to five “champion trees” – the largest living specimens of their species – on the nationwide roster of big trees. Another tree is under consideration for registration.
Michigan had 23 champion trees as recently as 2012, according to the DNR.
“You don’t have to hunt hard for big trees – many are in common locations such as local parks, backyards or along hiking trails,” a DNR press release says.
The contest awards the largest tree submitted in each Michigan county as well as trees that represent the largest of their type. More than 650 trees were submitted for consideration during the last Big Tree Hunt, and more than 100 certificates and prizes were awarded to the people who discovered them.
Prizes are given for the following categories:
• Largest tree found by a Big Tree Hunter age 16 or older
• Largest tree found by a Big Tree Hunter age 15 or younger
• Largest White Pine (Michigan’s State Tree), any age
• Largest tree found for each county in Michigan
• Tree (of any species) that is larger than the current registered Michigan State Champion or potential co-champion.
Full contest rules and prizes – as well as photo galleries of past winners – can be found on the Michigan Big Tree Hunt webpage.
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