Big Trees of Montgomery County Driving Tour

Have you admired a tree while thinking that’s “a big one”? Meet the biggest trees of Montgomery County on a guided driving tour with Joli McCathran, champion tree coordinator with the Maryland Big Tree Program. Our stops include viewing the world record holder English elm, and the state champion shortleaf pine and paulownia trees. We will caravan to five stops, including a lunchtime picnic. Participants will receive a detailed itinerary listing each site.

This tour includes trees on private property and is only possible with the permission of the property owners. We have been permitted to visit on only this one occasion. We ask that you not share the location of these trees with others out of respect for their privacy.

Carpooling is required since parking is limited at several stops. We will consolidate cars at our meeting point.

The Big Tree Program originated in Maryland in 1925 by the State’s first Forester, Fred Besley. A national program began in 1940, modeled after the Maryland program. It rewards owners who care for their big trees since about 90% of registered trees are backyard trees, as opposed to forest-grown trees. Trees grown in backyards tend to have less competition and receive more nutrients and water from the owners. Benefits of the program include providing a database to those studying trees who may need to know where big examples are located. The database serves as an important record over time for changes to species distribution and is also handy for those looking for locations of rare and unusual species. The Big Tree database base is accessible online at https://www.mdbigtrees.org/.

Joli McCathran is the co-chair of the Maryland Big Tree Program, the champion tree coordinator for Montgomery County, and the state coordinator for the National Champion Tree Program. She is a board member of the Maryland Forestry Foundation and president of the Maryland Association of Forestry Boards. She resides in Washington Grove with her husband and enjoys camping, sewing, canning produce, and playing with her grandsons.

• Our meeting location can be found in your registration confirmation email when payment is complete.
• Watch for additional details in a welcome email a few days before the date.
• Bring a lunch and chair or blanket for a picnic.
• Dress according to the weather. Layers of clothing work best. Include a hat for sun protection or warmth, depending on the season.
• Wear sturdy closed-toe hiking or athletic shoes with non-slip soles that can safely handle slippery surfaces.
• Bring water, snacks, sunblock, bug spray, and a camera with accessories.
• Bring binoculars and a hand lens or loupe for birding or looking at details if you have them.
• Bring your guidebooks, if you have them.
• Bring a first aid kit for your personal use.
• No pets, please.

Payment and Cancellation Policy: Payment is due online at the time of registration. Cancellations made seven or more days in advance of the event will receive a refund minus a 5% processing fee. Cancellations made within seven days of the event will not receive a refund. Events and field trips with fees of $10 or less are not refundable at any time unless canceled by NHSM. NHSM retains the right to update or change these requirements at any time.

For questions, please email Jayne at JAsh@marylandnature.org.