Here is our hike leader Botanist Bruce Sorrie holding up the state champion Florida Maple. This tree lost a large limb during the past year which could affect its score. Canopy footprint is one of the measurements to determine champions.
The big attraction on this Three Rivers Land Trust property is the state champion Shumard Oak. Unfortunately, it uprooted at some point since our March 26, 2022 visit.
Here is the tree last year - March 2022
Here it is today
It was disappointing to see it on the ground. Its canopy shaded a large area. That spot is going to see many other plants compete for the sunshine it has opened up. You may notice the dried leaves on the upper branches. That tells us it must have fallen sometime last year.
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