Written by OLC Board Member Phil Cox

As I write this, spring is in full swing with the beauty of dogwood and redbud blossoms having left us in favor of the greenery of amazing photosynthesizing leaves. We are lucky to live in a state that has a diverse array of 101 species of native trees. These trees (and also non-natives) are greatly expounded on in 101 Trees of Indiana (Indiana University Press) by Dr. Marion T. Jackson — one of the founders of Ouabache Land Conservancy (OLC) and the Indiana Chapter of The Nature Conservancy. As you visit OLC nature preserves, you are encouraged to admire the big trees and maybe even suggest some for consideration to be included in the Indiana Big Tree Register, as the Indiana Division of Forestry continues to update the register.

Here’s how it works — The Indiana Division of Forestry documents the largest known specimen of each native tree species in Indiana. To qualify for the register, a tree requires three measurements: 1) trunk circumference, (in inches) at 4 1/2 feet above the ground. 2) total height (in feet). 3) average crown spread (in feet). The total size of a tree is calculated using this formula: circumference + height + 1/4 average crown spread. The individual tree of each Indiana native tree species with the highest total points will be that tree species’ big tree champion. All nominations will be reviewed as received, but only the nominations with the highest scores will be verified. Nominations for all tree species, as well as the following species that do not have a current champion are being accepted: Umbrella Magnolia and Canada Plum.

The tallest listed Indiana tree is a 152-ft. Bitternut Hickory growing in Hamilton County, the largest in circumference is a 361-in (9.58 ft. in diameter) Silver Maple in Lawrence County, and the widest crown is a 224-ft Blackjack Oak in Vanderburg County. Vanderburg County can also lay claim to being the Big Tree Capitol of Indiana with 19 species of champions. To review the updated Indiana Big Tree Register, view detailed measurement instructions and nominate a tree, see https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/forestry-publications-and-presentations/indiana-big-tree-register.

Unfortunately, of the 561 species in the 2021 National Register of Champion Trees, there are no Indiana trees listed. The surrounding four states have at least two each, with Ohio leading the way with 16. However, a small consolation for Kentucky and Illinois is that they hold bragging rights as co-champions to the largest Ohio Buckeye trees in the nation. For more information about the National Register, see https://www.americanforests.org/champion-trees/champion-trees-registry.

Jim Nardi with an Ironwood tree that scored 127.75 points. The current record is 131.41.

In 2025, I encourage everyone to look for big trees. If you discover a big tree, please consider measuring it and submitting the online form to be the next big tree champion. Measuring trees is a fun activity for young and old alike, even if it doesn’t measure up to the registry trees. Myself and Jim Nardi experienced this as we measured an Ironwood and Sassafras for bigness at Atherton Island Natural Area this spring. Nothing ventured nothing gained was our motto! If you need help with this process, please contact OLC at ouabachelandconsevancy@gmail.com. In addition, if your big tree is in Vigo County, TREES Inc. keeps a registry for all of the species of largest trees there. For more information about their Big Tree Registry, see: https://www.treesinc.org/projects.

Even if you don’t start looking for big trees right away, now is the time to be thinking about planting the next big tree champions for future generations. Indiana landowners can order inexpensive, high-quality tree and shrub seedlings from the Indiana DNR Division of Forestry nurseries. These seedlings are 1-, 2- and 3-year-old bare-root seedlings intended for conservation plantings: windbreaks, wildlife habitat, reforestation, erosion control and other conservation uses in Indiana. Trees are available in multiples of 50 or 100; or in packets containing a mixture of species for different planting purposes like nuts, fine hardwoods, upland or bottomland or wildlife plantings. I suggest that you start planning now and order as soon as possible in October to get the species you prefer for planting next spring. For detailed information refer to the Indiana Division of Forestry tree seedling nurseries website at https://www.in.gov/dnr/forestry/tree-seedling-nurseries or call the Vallonia State Nursery at 812-358-3621.