Maryland Big Tree Program

The Maryland Big Tree Program (MBTP) is an effort to measure and catalog the largest trees of each species within the state of Maryland. It is modeled after the National Register of Big Trees Program, which is administered by American Forests.

[To view the National Register, go to www.americanforests.org/resources/bigtrees/.]

A very good description of the Maryland program can be found at

Big Tree Champions of Maryland

The MBTP is managed by the Maryland Association of Forest Conservancy District Boards. Currently, Mr. John Bennett of the Cecil County Forestry Board is the manager. The list of Maryland’s champion trees is constantly being updated, but a recent copy may be found here.

Individual trees which may qualify for registration may be nominated by any interested individual, but the requirement for inclusion is that the tree must measure at least 70% of the total score of the Maryland champion of the species. A trunk circumference measurement (at 4.5’ from the ground) must be at least 70% of the circumference of the specie’s state champion in order for an official complete measurement activity can be performed by either the county forestry board personnel (from the county where the tree is located) or by qualified individuals as designated by the state program. A nomination form for the MBTP can be copied here, and the completed hardcopy sent to: Maryland Big Tree Program, P. O. Box 328, North East, MD 21901. The nomination form may also be requested in electronic format (Microsoft Word) from mdbigtreeprogram@aol.com.

2007 Maryland Big Tree Program Activity Summary

2008 Maryland Big Tree Program Activity Summary

2009 Maryland Big Tree Program Activity Summary

Links and information relating to Maryland Big Tree theme:

Patuxent Wildlife Research Center	Big Tree Info from Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Wye Oak Measurement History	Past Measurements of Maryland’s former State Tree
Virginia Big Tree Database	Virginia Tech project profiling Virginia Big Trees
Virginia Big Tree Program - Tree Ages	List of Expected Maximum Ages of Eastern Trees
Great Eastern Trees	2004 Article from Eastern Native Tree Society
Wicomico County Big Trees	Photos and Measurements of Wicomico Big Trees
MDSHA: Tree Preservation Initiatives	Trees Preserved by MD State Highway Administration
PG County Parks & Recreation	PG County Parks Big Tree Program – Big Tree List
Frederick County Champion Trees	Frederick County State and National Champion Trees
Big Trees of Calvert County	Calvert County Forestry Board Website Big Tree List
Washington County Big Trees	Washington County Big Tree Pictures

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