Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District sets next Big Tree Contest species

The Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District announced that the 2020 Geauga County Big Tree Contest is currently seeking nominations.

This year’s featured tree species is the Black Walnut, which are prized for their chocolate-brown, finegrained, and durable wood along with their abundant, nutritious nuts, according to a news release

With deeply furrowed bark and long, pinnately compound leaves, these native trees are sun-loving, long-living, highly aromatic, and nearly disease and pest free.

Participants will submit a nomination for a Black Walnut 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.

The 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, the release stated.

Nominated trees must be Black Walnut trees located in Geauga County. Visit the Ohio Division of Forestry’s website to review characteristics.

Only one nomination per individual tree. The first nomination received will be entered into the contest.

The tree does not have to be on the property of the nominator; however, permission from the landowner must be obtained prior to nomination.

Nominations must be submitted to Geauga SWCD no later than 3:30 p.m., July 31. Email gprunty@geaugaswcd.com or submit in person or through the mail to the Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District, PO Box 410, 14269 Claridon-Troy Road, Burton, OH 44021.

Qualified District personnel will verify all nominated tree measurements and use the tree benefits calculator to provide the stormwater runoff reduction capability.

Geauga County’s Big Tree will be recognized and awarded at the district’s Annual Meeting in the fall. If on public land, the biggest tree on private land will also be recognized.

For more information contact Geauga SWCD at geaugaswcd.com, 440-8341122, or gprunty@geaugaswd.com.