This season, the Forest Preserves of Cook County is reintroducing its Champion Tree Register, an initiative that encourages the public to explore and learn about Cook County’s towering giants and the critical role they play in supporting the health and diversity of our region’s ecosystems .
“Many trees in the Forest Preserves are over a century old and support hundreds of organisms in the environments in which they grow,” says Kim Kalosky, a certified arborist at the Forest Preserves. “From sedges to butterflies to blue jays, champion trees influence the biodiversity of local areas in numerous ways. Next time you see a champion, thank it not only for the shade and fresh air it provides but also for all the plants and animals it helps sustain!”
The Forest Preserves’ Champion Tree Register lists the largest specimens of each of the diverse species of trees identified in the Forest Preserves. On our updated webpage, the public can now use an interactive Champion Tree Map to find and learn more about all the registered champion trees across all regions of Cook County.
Users can see the locations of these notable trees, including the common and scientific names of the species, the specific site where the tree is located, and precise measurements of its height, circumference and crown spread.
If you believe you have found an unregistered champion tree, you can submit a nomination form on the Champion Tree Register Page. All submitted nominations will be verified by a Forest Preserves tree inspector, who will visit the tree to confirm its species and dimensions. If the tree passes inspection, it will be added to the Champion Tree Register and Map. As a nominator, you will receive a certificate of recognition and have your name on the official record.
“In identifying a submitted champion, the Forest Preserves’ Department of Resource Management references historical records and data from its tree inventory,” explains Kalosky. “Upon qualifying, staff then measures and calculates a tree score. Finally, comparing this score with other trees of the same species confirms if the submission is indeed one of Cook County’s largest.”
As you stroll down your favorite hiking trail in Cook County this season, take a moment to pause when you encounter a towering tree that catches your eye. The majesty of its trunk and the grandeur of its canopy might just lead you to a remarkable discovery. We invite you to visit our Champion Tree Map on your mobile device, where you can uncover whether you’ve stumbled upon one of these magnificent giants that stand as testaments to nature’s beauty and resilience.
Happy exploring!