An Opportunity To Learn About 'State Champion' Trees

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Really big trees are extra special. And, after all the damage so many of them suffered this winter, we can all appreciate even more those grand old trees that grow to great sizes and endure for not only decades, but centuries.

Thursday evening, you can enjoy a fascinating presentation by local arborist Scott Wade, author of Big Trees of Pennsylvania. The book is all about Champion Trees; those are the largest of each species across the state, (including the Champion Katsura Tree at the Morris Arboretum pictured here.)

Haverford Township boasts several State Champions, and this event kicks off their own Heritage Tree Program as the Haverford Tree Tenders look to recognize their largest trees. So if you live in Haverford Township and have a tree on your property that's at least 42" in diameter, (or 132" around when measured at four-and-a-half feet off the ground) you can let them know by contacting Jeanne Angell at angellsrus@comcast.net and your tree could be on the Heritage List and even earn a plaque.

And anyone can learn more about Big Trees. Just be at the Community Center at Haverford Reserve, 9000 Parkview Drive in Haverford, PA, tomorrow, May 8 at 7:30 pm. It's free!