Beginning in the 1970, Richard Champlain, a noted ecologist from Jamestown, measured and recorded hundreds of native and naturalized trees throughout Rhode Island.  Through the generosity of many donors, including Helen Walker Raleigh, and technical support from leaders in the forestry community, RITree is now able to continue the project that Richard Champlain started years ago.

RITree, the Division of Forest Environment, the RI Natural History Survey, the Society of American Foresters, and the International Society of Arboriculture are currently compiling the Champion Tree list.  They will be measuring trees to find the largest of each species, using a formula developed by American Forests, that incorporates a tree's height, circumference, and crown spread.

In May of this year, RITree hired three field examiners to record and document RI's Champion Trees, using Champlain's list and records compiled by scores of volunteers in previous years. Kate Sayles is working in the northern part of the state, Doug Dalton is covering the southern part of the state, and the city of Newport, and Sanne Kure-Jensen is covering most of Newport and Bristol counties. Their work also includes the many outstanding ornamental specimens planted a century or more ago.

The goal of the Rhode Island Tree Council's Champion Tree Program is to stimulate public awareness about our tree resources, to develop a database of our significant trees and shrubs and to educate our citizens about our botanical heritage. We invite you to participate.

In 2006 RITree began the Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree Program. The program's goal is to find and profile the biggest trees in Rhode Island. Later, RITree hopes to work with the owners of these Champion Trees to preserve and protect them.

Public participation is paramount if this project is to prove successful. If you would like to nominate a Champion Tree, download the application here.

Champion Tree PDF

Champin Tree Nomination Form (Word File)

A champion tree is the biggest tree of its kind based on total points.  Points are awarded from measurements taken of the tree’s circumference, height, and crown spread.  The tree with the highest total point number is determined to be the state champion.   Take the measurements and convert them to points as described below:

1. Circumference- Record in inches the smallest circumference between 4 ½ feet and the ground below the lowest fork; score 1 point per inch.
2. Total Height-   Record in feet the distance between the base of the trunk and topmost twig; score 1 point per foot.
3. Crown Spread- Record in feet average width of crown measured in two directions.  Divide number by 1/4;
4. score 1point per foot. 
5. Total Points-  Circumference + Total Height + 1/4 Crown Spread = total points

For example, let’s calculate the total points for the current Champion Sugar maple located in Glocester, RI: The circumference is 176 inches; height 95 feet; average crown spread 120 feet.  The total point score for this tree is: 176 + 95 + 120 / 4 ( 30 ) = 301. 

The Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree Program is generously supported with a grant from the Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust managed by the Rhode Island Foundation.