The staff and volunteers of the Pope County Historical Society are working on locating the oldest (largest) White or Burr Oak tree in Pope County. The project has been underway off and on for a few years, and they would like to concentrate on finalizing it this summer. Having all trees measured and recorded the same year.

Not only the oldest (largest) tree is sought, but an overall pattern of growth and locations will be included in the projects overview. So, the largest oak is important to the effort. Not the tallest, but the widest.

To measure the White or Burr oaks, measure up 36-42 inches up from the ground and then tape the circumference of the tree. Use an area that does not have a large knob and or outgrowth and also not a twin base tree. If necessary, measure below a protruding lower branch that can be found sometimes on an older Burr Oak. It is important to try to get the largest in the area. That way there is a true representation of what is in Pope County.

If there are large oaks on your property, but you are unable to get out to measure them, a volunteer would be happy to do that for you with your permission.

In either case, please contact the museum with your findings or permission to have a volunteer do it for you. Call 320-634-3293 or stop in to the museum Tuesday – Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 

The information needed: The trees circumference, your name, your phone number and area location.

Thank you for your cooperation and happy hunting !