November, 20 2025 – Ann Arbor, MI – ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide non-profit tree planting and education organization, announces the winners of the 16th biennial Michigan Big Tree Hunt contest, held from spring 2023 through August 2025. The contest drew more than 500 entries from 76 of Michigan’s 83 counties, and each county’s winning tree was verified in person by arborists, foresters, and conservation professionals.

An Eastern Cottonwood measuring 245 in circumference claimed the top spot in Ingham County, discovered in Holt by Iain Walker. [Photos of winning trees are available upon request.]

Certificates and prizes were awarded in several categories, including the largest tree from each county, the overall largest trees in two age groups, the largest Eastern White Pine, and any new potential state champion trees. Grand prize winners were siblings Corey and Dani Town for a Sugar Maple [240”] in Lapeer County, Kathy Briggerman for a Weeping Willow [327”] in Shiawassee County, and Michael Anger for the largest Eastern White Pine [192”] in Antrim County.

Sixteen trees submitted for the contest qualified as new potential state champion trees and were submitted for review and confirmation to the Big Tree Coordinator of the Michigan Botanical Society, Ted Reuschel.  (Note: Trees already listed in the Michigan Big Tree Register before the start of the contest were not eligible for prizes.) 

For more information about the Big Tree Hunt, including pictures and the list of winners, visit the ReLeaf Michigan’s Big Tree Hunt webpage at BigTreeHunt.com.

As part of the Giving Tuesday movement, ReLeaf Michigan has launched its Giving “Tree” Tuesday initiative. Nurture Michigan’s future—every gift helps trees take root. Your support plants trees, educates communities, and makes a real impact statewide. Join us as a member (https://givebutter.com/releafmichigan_memberships) or make a donation (https://givebutter.com/releafmichigan).

The 2023–2025 Michigan Big Tree Hunt was supported by Platinum sponsors Meijer, Archangel Ancient Tree Archive, the Detroit Zoological Society, and the Consumers Energy Foundation, as well as several partner organizations including the Michigan Botanical Foundation, The Cooper Charitable Fund, ISA Michigan, the Michigan Botanical Club, the Michigan DNR Urban and Community Forestry Program, and local Conservation Districts.