Virginia Big Tree Program
Virginia’s big trees are those that are the largest of their species, measured by height, trunk circumference, and crown spread. The Virginia Big Tree Program is affiliated with the American Forests Big Tree Program, which has curated the national register of champion trees since 1940. Virginia has been a consistent leader on the national register of historic trees. The Virginia Big Tree Program website lists the five largest trees of more than 300 different species and includes photographs of the honored trees as well as their location, the names of the individuals who nominated them, and in some cases, the name of landowner.
Trees Virginia (Virginia Urban Forest Council) and the Virginia Forestry Educational Foundation provide financial support for the Big Tree register, and Trees Virginia supports the work of the Big Tree intern. All trees in the VBTR need to be recertified every ten years to maintain their listing on the register. The Big Tree Intern is responsible for processing new nominations sent in from VBTP volunteers and recertifying trees on the registration cycle. The Virginia Big Tree Program began as a 4-H and FFA project in 1970. Today citizens of all ages participate by nominating and re-measuring trees.
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We need your help! You can help us protect our urban forests and community trees.