Alamance Parks is pleased to recognize four new Champion Trees in Alamance County. The winners are: 

• New Species:
  • Winged Elm, Ulmus alata, 249 points 
  • Black Oak, Quercus velutina, 206.75 points 
  • Shagbark Hickory, Carya ovata, 253.75 points 
• New Update:
  • Yellow Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera, 352.75 points 

Champion Tree of Alamance County began in 2012 and celebrates the many wonderful, significant trees in our county. The program seeks to find, measure and crown trees in the following categories: Champion Tree, Historic Tree, and Landmark Tree. The Champion Tree category recognizes the largest tree in the county of any eligible species. Tree size is measured using a formula that takes into account circumference, height, and crown spread. Trees that meet the criteria for the North Carolina Champion Big Tree Program will be submitted for state level recognition. 

The Historic Trees category recognizes trees that are at least 50 years old and have a verifiable story of historical significance. Landmark Trees include trees that hold special value for a community or group. 

Champion Tree of Alamance County accepts nominations biennially. For more information about the program, and to view the list of reigning champions, visit www.championtreeac.com. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 22, 2019

Contact
Guil Johnson, Trails & Open Space Coordinator
Alamance Parks (Alamance County Recreation and Parks Department)
Phone: 336.229.2380
Email: guil.johnson@alamance-nc.com

Alamance Parks has acquired a third land tract in the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area. The Henderson-Dixon-Steele tract totals 152.5 acres bringing the total land acquired for the natural area to approximately 620 acres. This property once hosted the Pioneer Camp, a popular summer camp for area children in the 1950s and 60s. The acquisition was made possible by a 2017 grant from the Clean Water Management Trust Fund. Additional support was provided by The Conservation Fund, Piedmont Land Conservancy, and Alamance Parks.

The Cane Creek Mountains are located 8 miles south of the City of Graham and comprise the largest State Natural Heritage Area in Alamance County. The mountain range is also home to the highest peak in North Carolina east of Greensboro. Development of the park will protect the resources of this area while allowing for recreational and educational use of the property. Ultimately, Alamance Parks hopes to develop between 10-15 miles of trail network through the Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area properties. Upon completion, the Cane Creek Mountain Natural Area will be among the largest county parks in the state.

Development of the park began in 2019. A grant from the North Carolina Recreational Trails Program provided funding support for the first trailhead and trails of the park which are expected to open in 2020. Development of the Cane Creek Mountains Natural Area will continue for several years.

Champion Tree of Alamance County is back! Alamance County is home to giant trees that have, against all odds, survived centuries of storms, pests, and development. These living monuments have cleaned our air, filtered our water and provided habitat for Piedmont wildlife over hundreds of years. From school grounds and city centers to backwoods and backyards, help us find, measure and celebrate the largest trees in Alamance County!

The deadline to enter a tree into the competition is September 30, 2019. Measuring will take place in October and winners will be announced in November via email. Official certificates will be sent to the champion tree nominators.

For more information and to nominate a tree, visit: www.championtreeac.com. For questions, contact recinfo@alamance-nc.com or call 336-229-2410.