Trees have played an integral role in New Hampshire, from the days when "mast pines" were harvested for the British navy to the forests that still drive our economy today. The NH Big Tree Program measures the biggest trees in the state. Have you found a big tree? Use the button above to learn how to report it!
In 1950, the NH Big Tree Program began in an effort to find, record and recognize our magnificent individual trees. The list of recorded trees now includes over 1,000 county, state and national champions. NH Big Tree volunteers search the state for the largest examples of tree species and work together measuring trees in their local area nominated to the program. The group typically meets bimonthly for program updates, measuring trips and sharing discoveries and stories.
The NH Big Tree Program has mapped of some of NH’s biggest trees that can be viewed by the public. It contains information on tree locations, including latitude and longitude, as well as champion status (i.e. the largest of its kind in the county, in the state, or the nation). This map only shows a few of the state's champion trees. For a complete listing, see the list of State and County Champions
Did you find a big tree and want to see how it compares to others of the same species? Hunting for the biggest trees can be lots of fun and a great learning experience. It provides great curriculum for homeschoolers and teachers as well.
State and County Champions
Nominate a Tree Here
Tree ID reference
List of County Coordinators
Interested in helping out? The Big Tree Team volunteers work in small groups in their local area measuring trees submitted to the program. The full group typically meets on a quarterly basis in Concord for program updates, continuing education, and to share discoveries and stories. For more information contact Mary Tebo Davis at mary.tebo@unh.edu or 603 641-6060.
Articles
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November 30, 2023Various websites, along with the State Forest Nursery, provide high quality information about specific species of trees and shrubs and their value for birds, pollinators, wildlife, and the environment. Here are a few New England-specific sites that can help build foundational knowledge from which to make good seedling choices:
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October 27, 2023Over 260 people participated in the 7th Eastern Old-Growth Forest Conference on September 21-23, 2023, at the Geneva Point Center in Moultonborough, New H a.m.pshire. Rebecca Dube sits down with conference organizer and NH Big Tree volunteer David Grovatski to discuss the impetus for the conference and the hopes of what it will foster in the future.
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October 16, 2023Over 260 people participated in the 7th Eastern Old-Growth Forest Conference on September 21-23, 2023, at the Geneva Point Center in Moultonborough, New H a.m.pshire. The conference and field trips attracted participants from around the Eastern US and Canada who enjoyed fine autumn weather at this rustic c a.m.p on Lake Winnipesaukee. <br /><br /> The conference included the latest findings on eastern old-growth forests from leading researchers. Participants learned about ongoing efforts to identify and inventory the remaining old-growth forests in the Eastern United States. Defining such a forest was covered initially, and we discussed why this is not an easy "one-size-fits-all" definition.
