Deadline for submission of entry forms is Nov. 26.
The Pennington Borough Shade Tree Commission is sponsoring a Big Tree Hunt this fall.
Any resident, children included, can participate by identifying a large tree and submitting information on the specie and location of the tree to the Shade Tree Commission. The purpose of the Big Tree Hunt is to locate the largest tree of each of the 50 some species of trees in the borough. Only trees located along borough streets and in the front yard of any house or building are eligible for the hunt.
”The Big Tree Hunt is designed to stimulate interest in and appreciation for the biggest and best trees of all the many different varieties in the borough,” according to Tom Ogren, chairman of the Shade Tree Commission. “To encourage participation by children, the commission has reached out to Toll Gate Grammar School to have some of its classes participate in the Big Tree Hunt,” he added.
Toll Gate Grammar School Principal Dan Umstead offered his support by saying, “I heartily endorse student participation in the Big Tree Hunt. This project provides an opportunity for children to develop math and science skills as well as an appreciation for Pennington Borough’s beautiful foliage. Extending learning beyond the classroom walls is always so motivating for students. Many thanks to the Shade Tree Commission for their efforts in creating and overseeing this project.”
Participants in the hunt are asked to measure the circumference of a big tree 4 feet above ground and identify the tree specie and location. For easy identification of tree species, a web site for this purpose is suggested as a reference tool.
A description of The Big Tree Hunt and entry forms are available at Pennington Borough Hall and Pennington Public Library at 30 N. Main Street, and the Hopewell Township branch, Mercer Library, on Pennington-Titusville Road.
The deadline for submission of entry forms is Nov. 26. The person to submit an entry form identifying the largest tree of a particular specie will receive a National Arbor Day Foundation T-shirt, cap, or water bottle from the Shade Tree Commission.
According to Shade Tree Commission Chairman Ogren, “The Big Tree Hunt is intended to be a preliminary step to the printing of a new version of the Tree Guide to Pennington which will feature the location of the biggest tree of each specie, as well as a description of all the species in the borough.”
The Commission issued the first Tree Guide to Pennington in 2001. Copies of this guide are available at Borough Hall and at the Pennington Public Library.