Nominations sought for ‘Big Tree’

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is currently seeking nominations for the 2017 Geauga County Big Tree Contest.

This voluntary contest promotes the beauty and benefits provided by the county’s biggest and oldest trees, along with their contributions to clean water and healthy soil, according to a news release.

The 2017 featured tree species is the northern red oak (Quercus rubra), honoring its significance to Ohio’s timber industry and its importance to wildlife.

Participants will submit a nomination for a northern red oak tree which they believe might be the largest in the county. After all nominations are submitted, qualified personnel will verify the measurements using the ODNR Division of Forestry’s Big Tree Program procedures.

Each tree will receive a score based on trunk circumference, crown spread, and total height to determine the winner. In addition, the district will consider each tree’s ability to capture stormwater, along with other economic benefits.

Nominations must be in by Sept. 22 and Geauga County’s “Big Tree” will be recognized and awarded at the district’s annual meeting on Nov. 2.

For guidelines and more information, visit geaugaswcd.com or contact the District at 440-834-1122 or gprunty@geaugaswd.com.