Byline: Tony Bratsch, University of Illinois Extension Horticulturist
The Illinois Big Tree Register, formerly administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry, is now coordinated by the, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Jay Hayek, Extension Forester and Illinois Big Tree Program Coordinator, has brought the program with him from his previous state forestry position, and will be continuing his efforts to build and update this important program under the University of Illinois banner.
The Illinois Big Tree program was initiated in 1962 by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, and in January of 2006, administration of the program was transferred to the University of Illinois. The program is designed to locate, identify and record the largest tree species native to Illinois. To date over 130 "State Champion" trees can be found on the register, which lists species, locations, size and those who have found these large trees.
The program has been recently updated by the development of a comprehensive web site, and a new initiative to train interested lay people how to inspect, measure and nominate trees identified by the public as potential candidates. The goal is to have at least one "Citizen Big Tree Inspector" for every county in the state. Recent inspectors workshop training sessions were conducted in the Springfield area and also western Illinois, and plans are being made for these one-day workshops in the eastern and southern parts of the state. In 2009, plans are being made to recertify all state tree champions and assign modern GPS coordinates to their locations. Lastly, in addition to identifying the largest native trees, a new "Notable Tree" program is being implemented to identify historic, unusual, hybrids, and other significant non-native tree species or forest stands in parks, homes and landscapes across the state.
The Illinois Big Tree program is seeking to set the standard for big tree programs across the nation by creating one of the most widely supported and attended "Big Tree" programs in the nation. It is modeled after the National Big Tree Register, using similar measurement techniques and point scoring system. The vision of the program is to increase awareness of Illinois natural history and appreciation for our greatest renewable resource, the forest species native to the state. These exceptional trees are a legacy for the people of the state, and through raising public awareness, this program seeks to help conserve these unique trees for future generations to enjoy and marvel at.
The new Illinois Big Tree Register website can be found at online at: http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/forestry/il_big_tree.html. There the largest trees known in the state are listed, along with the date found, location, size and the individuals who found each tree. Instructions can be found for those wishing to nominate a big tree, who believe it has the potential to break the record. Information on upcoming Citizen Big Tree Inspector workshops will also be posted. In these workshops, attendees will gain knowledge, confidence and hands-on experience in the techniques for measuring diameter, height and spread using basic equipment. The point system used for scoring trees will be explained and attendees will learn about the nomination process.
If you are interested in hosting a big tree workshop in your area or would like to attend just to learn about large trees or becoming an official citizen inspector, contact Mr. Hayek at his email address: jhayek@uiuc.eduor visit the Big Tree website.
