LENAWEE CO. — The statewide nonprofit ReLeaf Michigan has announced winners of its 2023 to 2025 Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest.
An Eastern Cottonwood measuring 281 inches in circumference took first place in Lenawee County. The tree was discovered in Tipton by Douglas Demond.
The biennial event drew more than 500 entries from 76 counties, with all winning trees verified by forestry professionals.
Grand prize winners statewide included a Sugar Maple in Lapeer County, a Weeping Willow in Shiawassee County, and the largest Eastern White Pine in Antrim County.
Sixteen entries qualified as potential new state champion trees and have been submitted for review by the Michigan Botanical Society.
As part of Giving Tuesday, ReLeaf Michigan is launching a “Giving Tree Tuesday” initiative to support tree planting and education efforts across the state.
More information and photos are available at BigTreeHunt.com.