photo looking sideways up a tree trunk to the green leafy canopy with sky peeking through the leaves

black and white photo of a man standing by a very large treeChampion Tree 2016 is here! Do you know of any big, beautiful, or historically significant trees in Alamance County? The Champion Tree of Alamance County program is based on the NC Forest Service’s Champion Big Tree Program. Every two years, Alamance Parks works with Elon students to collect nominations for eligible Champion Trees in Alamance County. The program celebrates and recognizes Alamance County’s most significant trees.

Local citizens can nominate important trees in three categories: Champion Tree, Historic Tree, or Landmark Tree.

-The Champion Tree category recognizes the largest tree of any eligible species. Tree size is measured using a formula that takes into account circumference, height and crown spread. Trees that meet the criteria for the North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program will be submitted for state level recognition.

-The Historic Tree category is for trees that are at least fifty years old, with a verifiable story of historical significance. There are no species restrictions for this category.

Landmark Trees include individual trees or groupings of trees that hold special value for a community or group. There are no species restrictions for this category.

Nominations for Champion Trees will be accepted from now through November 4th. Nominations can be submitted online at www.championtreeac.com, where you can also find details about the program, a list of eligible species, identification guides, and a list of past and current champions.

The program will culminate in a “Measuring Day” celebration scheduled for November 5th. Measuring Day will be a chance for families and individuals to learn how to properly measure a tree and try their skills on actual trees. If you are interested in joining us for Measuring Day, please indicate your interest when you submit a nomination or contact us at (336) 229-2380 or acchampiontree@gmail.com.