KIRKSVILLE, MO --
If you've ever driven down Baltimore Street in Kirksville, you've probably seen this tree.
The "Swamp White Oak" is located at the entrance to Rotary Park near the corner of Baltimore and Mill.
It was recently named a champion tree in the state of Missouri. That means it is the largest Swamp White Oak in the entire state.
“The champion tree is a good award for Kirksville. It kinda gets Kirksville's name out there and gets 'em a little recognition for having such nice parks and that they're really doing a lot of hard work to make Kirksville look nicer. So we thought it would be a good idea and that Kirksville deserves a state champion award,” said Lucas McClamroch, Missouri Department of Conservation.
The conservation department measured several trees in the city but this was the only tree to receive champion status. But, the champion trees don't have to be on city property or in city limits.
If you know of a possible champion tree, you're asked to contact your local forester at the conservation department.
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forKTVO