Have you heard of the Virginia Big Tree Program? The Department of Forest Resources and Environmental Conservation at Virginia Tech coordinate the program to improve the care and enjoyment of trees and educate state residents about the value of tree conservation.

What trees qualify as “big trees”? The five largest specimens of more than 300 native, non-native, and naturalized tree species are included in the registry. The Virginia Big Tree Registry (VBTR) lists each tree, its size, location, unique characteristics, and a photo.

In 2016, a Champion Shingle Oak in Ridgeview Park in Waynesboro was measured and nominated as a Virginia Champion Big Tree. Its circumference came in at 178 inches and it stood 88 feet high to a crown of 100 feet. It still stands healthy and strong today!