{"id":47334,"date":"2026-04-30T10:23:08","date_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:23:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=47334"},"modified":"2026-04-30T10:23:08","modified_gmt":"2026-04-30T14:23:08","slug":"maryland-forest-service-launches-maryland-250-white-oak-contest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2026\/04\/30\/maryland-forest-service-launches-maryland-250-white-oak-contest\/","title":{"rendered":"Maryland Forest Service Launches \u201cMaryland 250\u201d White Oak Contest"},"content":{"rendered":"
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White oak located in Tawes Garden, Annapolis. Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/p><\/div>\n

The Maryland Forest Service and the Maryland Forestry Foundation are launching the “Maryland 250” White Oak Contest in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The contest invites residents and visitors to search Maryland’s State Forests for the largest white oak trees. Cash prizes of up to $500 will be awarded to the individuals who find the largest five trees on public lands.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The contest runs from May 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Participants will identify and measure specimens of the white oak (<\/span>Quercus alba<\/span><\/i>), Maryland’s state tree, within eligible <\/span>State Forest<\/span><\/a> lands. State Forests are distinct from State Parks. For Chesapeake Forest Lands, only white oaks located on <\/span>public hunting lands<\/span><\/a> are eligible. The contest is administered by the Maryland <\/span>Big Tree Program<\/span><\/a> committee.<\/span><\/p>\n

White oaks are among Maryland’s most ecologically significant tree species, providing wildlife habitat, supporting water quality, and contributing to the structural character of the state’s forests. Currently, only one white oak has been identified as a \u201cBig Tree\u201d within state forest lands.<\/span><\/p>\n

How to Participate and Measure a Tree<\/b><\/p>\n

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  1. Before your visit, mark a string at 13 feet. Allow several additional feet to accommodate trees with a circumference exceeding 13 feet.<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Bring a measuring tape, a marker, and your marked string.<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Visit a Maryland State Forest and locate a large white oak.<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Measure the tree’s circumference at 4 feet, 6 inches above the ground. On sloped terrain, measure from the uphill side.<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. If the circumference exceeds 13 feet, mark the new length on your string and photograph the tree with a person standing beside it.<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Take four additional photos of the tree, one from each cardinal direction. Photographs of leaves are encouraged.<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Measure and photograph the updated string length.<\/span><\/li>\n
  8. Record GPS coordinates. If unavailable, include a map and written directions with your submission.<\/span><\/li>\n
  9. Submit circumference measurements, location information, photos, and contact information to John Bennett at <\/span>mdbigtreeprogram@aol.com<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    All submitted trees will be re-measured by the Maryland Big Tree Program. Winners will be notified after the contest concludes.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Eligibility Requirements<\/b><\/p>\n