Iowa’s trees tell a story of resilience, history, and ecological importance. These towering giants serve as living landmarks, connecting communities to Iowa’s rich forestry heritage while highlighting the vital role trees play in our environment.
The Big Trees of Iowa program, coordinated by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forestry section, celebrates the largest known specimens of each tree species in the state. Knowing of these impressive trees helps document growth potential, draws public attention to trees and encourages friendly competition.
Explore Iowa’s Big Tree Registry online at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/db8a533a6ca34fc89a3df0603b6b2cb4/ .
Volunteers are needed to learn the art and science of big tree hunting to help verify dimensions of nominated trees, monitor growth and explore and record unknown record-sized trees. Larger trees are likely out there - possibly in your neighborhood or backyard.
One dedicated volunteer has steadfastly crisscrossed Iowa in search of ever bigger specimens for decades and kept tabs on big trees he first measured in boyhood. Learn more about his obsession with big trees in the Spring 2025 Iowa Outdoors magazine.
Thank trees for all they do
Get out and enjoy the beauty of April tree blossoms across Iowa neighborhoods.
Trees quietly enhance our daily lives in many ways. They’re like superheroes for our health.
Neighborhood trees are like natural air filters, cleaning up the air we breathe and making it fresher. They also help us feel less stressed and more focused. Being around trees has been shown to make us feel better both mentally and physically.
Here’s some fun options to celebrate trees near you this Arbor Day and throughout the year.
- Plant a Tree. Follow DNR foresters’ tree planting tips to help it survive and thrive.
- Visit a Park and Adopt a Tree. Choose a particular tree to observe. Get better acquainted with your chosen tree by using your senses of sight, touch, hearing, and smell to describe the tree. Find more fun family activities to do when visiting on the Project Learning Tree Exploring a Local Park webpage.
- Read a Book About Trees. Visit your local library and ask for books about trees.
Discover what trees are growing around you. Iowa’s 10 Most Common Urban Trees can help you identify trees in your yard or neighborhood and learn more about each kind of tree. - Learn how to prevent wildfires. Smokey Bear lives within us all! While at home or on a camping trip, follow these important safety tips.