The Big Trees of the Metro East Area Championship

The Big Trees Program of the Metro East Area is a program that allows parents, neighbors, grandparents and grandchildren to walk or bike through the local area in search of native large tree species. They could very well be in your own back yard!!

Most states, including Illinois, and many municipalities have undertaken similar programs. No one, however, has taken an inventory of the Big Trees of the Metro East. 

We are continually taking nominations by local citizens and will accommodate by sending a volunteer to calculate your tree's size. The circumference, height, and crown spread are all measured in calculating the point system, which determines a winner.

For more information, and to nominate a tree, please call the office at (618) 462-6802.

Trees are important to our community because:

• they use carbon dioxide, the gas associated with global warming and the "green house effect"

• they give off oxygen through photosynthesis

• wildlife and birds depend on trees for shelter and food

• a house without trees is unprotected from summer heat

• they hold soil in place and help to prevent or slow erosion, a disaster that is a byproduct of poor development and non-sustainable farming practices

• they act as buffers filtering out sediment and nutrients before they enter Godfrey and Alton's main stream tributaries

Please click on the tree to see the list of champion trees and nominator and click here to read the press release