Department of Environmental Protection

New Jersey Forest Service

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Annual Big Tree Education Event

 

2025 Big Tree Education Event Announcement

Join Us for the Exciting 2025 Big Tree Educational Event!

Dear Big Tree Enthusiasts,

The New Jersey Forest Service is thrilled to invite you to the highly anticipated 3rd Annual 2025 Big Tree Education Event! This exciting event is the perfect opportunity for nature enthusiasts, families and community members to immerse themselves in the incredible world of big and heritage trees.

Big trees are not just awe-inspiring; they offer a wide range of environmental benefits! From purifying the air and water, to reducing energy consumption and mitigating flooding, these giants play a vital role in maintaining the health of our planet. They also provide essential wildlife habitats, increase property values, and combat the heat island effect. Understanding these remarkable trees is more important than ever!

What’s New in 2025?
The New Jersey Big Tree Event began in 2021 during the pandemic, and while our first two events were virtual, we were able to host our first live event in 2023—which was a big success! Now, we’re eager to build on that momentum and bring even more excitement to this year’s event.

Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Forest Resource Education Center (FREC), located at 495 Don Connor Blvd., Jackson, NJ. Please share this letter and attachments flier with your staff and students. We're expecting a fantastic turnout and want YOU to be part of it!

This year’s event is packed with interactive educational stations and exciting activities that will engage participants of all ages:

  • Tree Identification
  • Tree Measurements
  • Sawmill Crafts
  • Sawmill Demo
  • Wilderness Hayride Tour
  • Greenhouse Tour
  • Birding Hike
  • NJ Watershed Education
  • Bees and Pollination
  • Wheel of Forestry
  • Football Tire Throw
  • Cornhole
  • …and much more!

Come join us for a day full of learning, fun, and exploration! You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how to identify, evaluate, and appreciate these towering trees—and the profound impact they have on our environment.

Please RSVP by February 21, 2025, to Regional Forester Joseph C. Bennett at joseph.bennett@dep.nj.gov or 856-261-0329. We would greatly appreciate it if you could also help spread the word by posting our flier to your electronic bulletin board and sharing it with others!

If interested in purchasing the New Jersey Forest Services’ 3 foot x 2 foot Champion and Heritage poster please email your request to Joseph C. Bennett at joseph.bennett@dep.nj.gov.

We look forward to seeing you there for a day of nature, education, and community!

Warm regards,

Joseph C. Bennett
Regional Forester
New Jersey Forest Service

How to Measure Big Trees

Before your head out searching for the next Big Tree, you're going to need to learn how to properly measure them.

How to Measure Tree Circumference

How to Measure Tree Height

How to Measure Average Crown

You can learn more about measuring Big Trees by clicking here.

Submit a Big Tree

Thanks for participating in the Big Tree Education Event! Please submit your findings through this form.

Note: Please search for Big Trees only on property that you have permission to, state parks and forests are a great place to start!

Bonus Video Clip Contest - Record a Video!
Submit a one-minute video describing the Big Tree you are submitting:

  1. Create you're one minute video via smartphone or similar device.
  2. Edit your video.
  3. Upload your video to YouTube.
  4. Copy and paste your video YouTube link on the Big Tree Nomination Form.
Explore the Big Tree Registry

While we already know about these trees, seeing some of New Jersey's largest trees in person can be an awe inspiring experience!

Benefits of Big Trees

New Jersey takes pride in its big trees and for good reason. These mammoth trees are not just tree resources; they are mega tree resources providing up to 600 times the environmental benefits of typical trees. Big trees:

  • Remove tons of pollution from our air annually;
  • Combat climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the air;
  • Lower electric costs up to 50 percent by providing shade to nearby structures;
  • Reduce the heat island effect;
  • Prevent water runoff, erosion and water pollution;
  • Prevent flooding;
  • Saves water by slowing evapotranspiration of thirsty lawns;
  • One acre of mature trees releases enough oxygen for 18 people in one year;
  • Filter ground water by absorbing nutrients and toxins through their roots;
  • Provide wildlife habitat;
  • Provide food in the form of fruits and nuts;
  • Represent historic events;
  • Provide wood and high-quality forest products;
  • Unify communities and organizations;
  • Help increase property values by as much as 15 percent;
  • Slow water evaporation via shade, saving water;
  • Create visually pleasing barriers;
  • Provide natural sound barriers;
  • Offer superior resistant genetics compared with typical trees;
  • Increase traffic to businesses;
  • Improve human psyche and physical health;