American Forests’ 2011 National Register of Big Trees represents more than 660 species – 30 more than last year – with trees in 45 states and the District of Columbia. We list a total of 751 grand champion trees. Newcomers include the co-champion Osage-orange trees in Virginia and Delaware, the Rocky Mountain Douglas fir in Texas, the Virginia pine in West Virginia, and the eastern white oak in Indiana.

There are still more than 200 eligible species that have no champions, so if you want to become a big tree hunter with an instant champion to your credit, look for one of these trees.

While the nation’s most avid big tree hunters are equipped with hypsometers, relascopes, and lasers, amateur tree hunters can get started in their own backyards with sticks and tape measures. Click here to see how.