Maryland Forest Service Launches “Maryland 250” White Oak Contest

The Maryland Forest Service, in partnership with the Maryland Forestry Foundation, is launching the "Maryland 250" White Oak Contest in celebration of America's 250th anniversary. Administered by the Maryland Big Tree Program committee, 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 top five finalists.

The contest runs from May 1 through Dec. 31, 2026. Participants will identify and measure specimens of the white oak (Quercus alba), Maryland's state tree, within eligible State Forest lands. State Forests are distinct from State Parks. For Chesapeake Forest Lands, only white oaks located on public hunting lands are eligible.

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 “Big Tree” within state forest lands.

Photo by Rachael Pacella

How to Participate

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

All submitted trees will be re-measured by the Maryland Big Tree Program. Winners will be notified after the contest concludes.

Photo by Anthony Burrows.

Eligibility Requirements

• Only white oaks (Quercus alba) are eligible.
• Trees must exceed 13 feet in circumference.
• Trees with ivy or other growth inflating trunk size are not eligible.
• Multi-trunk trees must split at or above 5 feet.
• Standing dead trees are not eligible.

Full contest details are available at https://dnr.maryland.gov/forests/Pages/trees/Big-Tree-Centennial-Contest.aspx. Other species of “Big Trees” can be nominated any time on the program website.

Safety Reminders

• Always put safety first.
• Let someone outside your hiking group know your plans.
• Inspect the tree and surrounding area for hazards.
• Protect yourself from ticks, mosquitoes, poison ivy, and other environmental risks.

Photo by Anthony Burrows.

Last Year’s Winners

In 2025, the Maryland Big Tree program celebrated its 100 year anniversary, marked by a similar contest, which asked the public to find the biggest trees in state forests. Winners were:

• 1st Place: Nick Smalley, who found a yellow poplar in Cedarville State Forest
• 2nd Place: John Hudock, who found a yellow poplar in Elk Neck State Forest
• 3rd Place: Alex Vargo, who found a yellow poplar in Stoney Demonstration Forest

The Maryland Big Tree Program, administered by the Maryland Forestry Foundation in association with the Maryland Forest Service, maintains the largest database of champion and big trees in the United States.

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