The Maryland Big Tree Program is 100 years old, and to mark its centennial year, it is offering $500 to the person who can find the biggest tree in a state forest.
The Big-Tree Centennial Contest encourages people to explore Maryland state forests and report any trees they find that are larger than 15 feet in circumference. The top prize — $500 — goes to the person who finds the largest tree. Second prize winner gets $400, third prize gets $300, fourth prize winner gets $200, and fifth prize winner gets $100. The type of tree is irrelevant; only size matters in this contest.
The Maryland Big Tree program is an all-volunteer program, and their website lists the largest trees in Maryland, including size, type, location, and whether there is public access to the tree or not. The site lists instructions on how to measure trees, and if a resident has a tree that they are not sure how to measure, the program will even send volunteers out to measure the tree for them.
State-owned forests cover more than 200,000 acres, and are open year-round for hiking, bird-watching, and other activities. They are also open seasonally for hunting and trapping. The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website provides a map and list of state forests.
Contestants should note that in the Chesapeake Forest Lands on the lower Eastern shore, only public hunting areas are open to explore, because some of the property is leased. Additionally, two of the Big Trees already identified in state forests — a silver maple in Green Ridge State Forest and a black oak in Elk Neck State Forest – are ineligible.
Here are some tips and techniques for measuring trees to help contestants get the most accurate numbers:
- Take a string, a marker, a measuring tape and a camera or cell phone.
- A hiking partner is recommended – this will make snapping photos easier if you find a big tree.
- Before you hike, mark your string at 15 feet.
- When you have found a large tree, measure its circumference at 4-foot 6-inches above ground by wrapping the string around the tree.
- If your tree is larger than 15 feet, mark the string again and take a photo with the string around the tree plus someone standing next to the tree.
- Then, take four photos of the tree from each side.
- If possible, photograph the leaves.
- Measure the new mark on the string using your measuring tape and take a photo of the string and tape together, showing the length.
- Use your phone to determine your GPS coordinates if possible.
- Finally, report the circumference, location and photos to the Maryland Big Tree Program by contacting John Bennett at mdbigtreeprogram@aol.com.
The Big-Tree Centennial Contest runs from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, May 24 through Sept. 1, 2025. Trees found in any state forest are eligible, and the contest is open to residents and non-residents of Maryland. Complete details and rules are available on the contest webpage.
