Size Matters in Michigan: ReLeaf Michigan Issues Challenge To Find the State's Biggest Trees
ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 1, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For 22 years, ReLeaf Michigan, a nonprofit organization, has challenged the public to find Michigan's largest living trees through its Big Tree Hunt contest. The contest was created to help tree experts identify the biggest trees in Michigan while raising awareness of the state's larger trees among the public. The state's largest trees can be found anywhere; a person's backyard, a local park, or hiking trails. The Big Tree Hunt is a great way for all age groups to participate in tracking these vital historical living landmarks.
The contest is also a way for a tree hunter to potentially gain celebrity status by getting his or her winning entry in the National Register of Big Trees, which is updated every spring and fall by American Forests. Winners of ReLeaf Michigan's Big Tree Hunt are forwarded to the State Coordinator of the Michigan Big Tree Program for further review and possible inclusion in the State Champion Tree List. If the tree makes it to state champion status and it meets more detailed criteria, it is submitted for inclusion in the National Register of Big Trees. Today Michigan has 19 registered National Champions. Since there are 200 tree species that don't have registered champions, the Big Tree Hunt is a great opportunity to get Michigan trees noticed nationwide.
The deadline for entering big trees is August 1, 2015. ReLeaf Michigan's contest is a fun activity for families, friends, or solo adventurers to participate in while flexing their Michigan pride. Certificates and prizes are awarded by ReLeaf Michigan every 2 years for different age groups, regions, and species. A prize ceremony to honor the winners will be held in the autumn.
Contest forms can be downloaded from www.ReLeafMichigan.org. For questions about the contest, email [email protected] or call (800) 642-7353. ReLeaf Michigan's Big Tree Hunt contest is sponsored by Arboriculture Society of Michigan, Consumers Energy Foundation, Michigan Botanical Club, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Urban and Community Forestry.
About ReLeaf Michigan
ReLeaf Michigan is a non-profit organization that educates the public on the value of trees and the need to properly select, plant, and maintain them. ReLeaf Michigan also leads tree planting projects in partnership with local community groups and volunteers. For more information or to join ReLeaf Michigan, go to www.ReLeafMichigan.org.
SOURCE ReLeaf Michigan
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