Our newest Maryland Big Tree tour takes us to Baltimore County to experience the record holders at Hampton National Historic Park. Fourteen trees on this historic site are registered in the Big Tree Program database with eight holding Baltimore County Champion titles and one with a state championship as well. The county champs include both native and non-native species, including American holly, tuliptree, white ash, cedar of Lebanon, (allegedly brought here in a shoe box), European beech and linden trees, London planetree, and the big winner, a saucer magnolia with both county and state awards. All of these trees are specimens, planted specifically for the enjoyment of the mansion owners, and can easily be seen along a loop trail about 1.5 miles long.
This field trip will be showcased in a locally produced film, Growing into Greatness: Maryland’s Champion Trees, produced by Robert Lemieux, associate professor in the Communication Department at McDaniel College. The film discusses programs such as Maryland Big Tree that are designed to preserve our natural surroundings and promote an appreciation for nature. By showing how easily these trees are accessed, the project hopes to promote greater involvement between its viewers and nature. Filming will be done as unobtrusive observers, following the group as it tours with a handheld camera. Those agreeing to be filmed will need to sign a provided standard waiver. If you choose to not be included in the filming, that choice will be respected.
Our field trip leaders are Marc Lipnick and Linda Barker. Marc retired in 2014 after 29 years as a Quality Assurance Engineer with the Maryland State Highway Administration. He is a Master Naturalist, and volunteers with the Big Tree Program, Baltimore County Forestry Board, and the Old-Growth Forest Network. He spends his days hiking, finding and measuring big trees, and identifying and cataloging wildflowers in Maryland’s parks. Linda Barker owned a landscape company for 25 years and retired in 2015. With a physical sciences and horticulture background and as a lifelong gardener and outdoorsperson, she joined the Big Tree Program as a volunteer to measure trees and joined their board in 2017. She also volunteers for the Baltimore County Forestry Board.
The Big Tree Program originated in Maryland in 1925 by the State’s first Forester, Fred Besley. The 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. Each big tree owner receives a certificate, a thank you letter, and a list of trees of that species registered in Maryland. Additional 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/.
While registering for this field trip, you will be asked to consider a donation to the Big Tree Program at the state level. Your donation will assist them in cataloging new trees as found and recorded.
- 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.
- 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.
Registration
Levels:- NHSM Member: $20
- Non Members: $25