Events

Big Tree Quest @ NPL 2023

August 31, 2023September 25, 2023 by Lucinda Walker

September 23rd-November 4th | All ages | Explore, learn, and celebrate trees this fall!

The Library is thrilled to launch our first Big Tree Quest! Read on for all the program details.

Program Overview

The Big Tree Quest invites participants of all ages to get outside and find the biggest trees they can in Norwich and our adjacent Vermont towns! Awards will be given out for Biggest Overall Tree, Biggest Tree per Species, Most Types of Trees Documented, and Most Creative Tree Art. Learn all about trees, local public access land, and ecologically-friendly trail etiquette while you’re at it thanks to our partners at Upper Valley Trails Alliance, Norwich Conservation Commission, Windsor/Orange County Forester, and Marion Cross School.

Contest Guidelines & Entry Form

All ages are welcome to participate – children to adults.
You can submit multiple entries (one entry per tree species); AND can submit an entry under multiple names (i.e. if siblings find and measure a tree together).
Eligible trees can be found in Norwich or in adjacent Vermont towns (Thetford, Wilder, Hartford, Sharon, Pomfret, and Strafford).
Take pictures of or with your tree(s) while you’re out there! Photos or other visual artwork can be submitted with your entries.
Tree locations will be compiled and shared on a map at NPL; with this in mind, use your best judgment in choosing your quest locations and utilizing land you have permission to be on. Please use this form to get landowner permission if you submit a tree on private land (i.e. a relative’s, local business’, or neighbor’s), versus public access land like a marked hiking trail or conservation/recreation land.
Tree size is based on circumference, measured and recorded in inches (use a soft tape measure or tailor’s tape); see the Tree Measuring Guidelines for more specifics (how high to measure, how to assess trees with multiple trunks, etc.)
Awards will be given out for: Biggest Overall Tree, Biggest Tree per Specie, Most Types of Trees Documented, and Most Creative Tree Art
Trail etiquette guidelines should be prioritized when on your quest – respect nature, landowners, and fellow hikers. See our Trail Etiquette Tips handout for more details.
Submit your entries by Sun. 10/22 at 11:59 PM – USE THIS FORM or email NPLBigTreeQuest@norwichlibrary.org if you have any issues/questions.

Events

Launch Event: Sat. September 23rd, 10-11:30 AM | Milton Frye Nature Area (From Main Street, take the drive in between St. Barnabas Church and the town green all the way back to park and walk in – look for our signs!) (Inclement weather location: Norwich Public Library community room)
- Come learn all about the program, hear from tree experts, make a tree-themed craft, and pick up your packet of quest materials (while enjoying some cider and donuts of course!).

Special Program Events: Click each for full details & to RSVP!
- Saturday, September 30th, 3-4 PM: Tree Identification Walk for Kids (with Norwich Conservation Commission members Lindsay and Lynnwood)
- Wednesday, October 4th, 5-6 PM: Tree Identification Walk for All (with Windsor County Forester AJ Follensbee)
- Wednesday, October 18th, 3-4 PM: Trees & Mindfulness Learning Event (with Marion Cross environmental educator Chrissy Morley)
- Wednesday, October 25th, 2:30-4:30 PM: Tree Cookie Decorating Party (with NPL staff)

Finale Event: Sat. November 4th, 10-11:30 AM | NPL community room
- Celebrate the end of our quest! We’ll be announcing all the award winners, sharing photos and artwork, and revealing the epic Big Tree Map of 2023.

Digital Resources