City wants to find its champion trees and is launching a contest to find them

City arborist Daniel Gibbins and Trees Forever of Marion want to find the biggest trees of different tree species in Cedar Rapids.

And they are holding a “champion-tree” contest to help in the task.

Both the owner of each of the biggest trees and the person who nominates the tree if other than the owner will receive a champion certificate.

Gibbins, who started on the job with the city of Cedar Rapids in January, also will check with the National Big Tree Registry, which is sponsored by the American Forestry Association, to see if any local champion trees qualify as national champions.

Nominations are due on May 15 with winners announced at a special event on June 19 at the city's Ushers Ferry Historic Village.

Contestants can fill out a nomination form at http://www.treesforever.org/Survey/8/Cedar-Rapids-Champion-Tree-Nomination.aspx.

Send questions to Ashley Green at Trees Forever, 373-0650 extension 25.