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.
A Silver Maple measuring 216 in circumference claimed the top spot in Cass County, discovered in Edwardsburg by Duane and Marcy Metzger.
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.
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.
About ReLeaf Michigan
ReLeaf Michigan is a statewide volunteer non-profit 501(c)(3) tree planting and education organization. Its mission is to educate the public on the value of trees and how to properly select, plant, and maintain them. Its board is made up primarily of arborists, foresters, and researchers passionate about preserving one of Michigan’s most significant resources: trees.
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