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…