2018's Great American Tree Competition

Announcing 2018's Great American Tree

The Lone Hill United Methodist Church National Champion Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), has planted a legacy upon the residents of Coffee County, Georgia and within the hearts of American Grove members.

2018’s Great American Tree, the Lone Hill United Methodist Church National Champion Eastern Redcedar, is as strong as it is sturdy, lifting the spirits of those who have come into contact with its encompassing stature in the cemetery that traces its history to it first known burial in 1848.

Through the years the tree has been featured in such varied publications as the Douglas Enterprise, Smithsonian magazine, Janisse Ray’s book Wild Card Quilt, and the Coffee Historical Society’s Coffee Chronicles. Those visiting will witness a majestic tree that has nurtured and sheltered generations of the faithful. 

 

This year’s Great American Tree competition had 15 charming nominations, all who uniquely defined what it means to be a Great American Tree. We recieved over 5,000 votes during our member voting period. Our top five trees with the most member votes were _.

All submissions received in our 2018 Great American Tree Competition, from the youngest sapling to decade old oaks, aid in the celebration of our nation’s diversity of trees. Each submission uniquely represents the American Grove motto "Plant Your Legacy." Click a photo entry below to learn more! 

 

Lone Hill United Methodist Church National Champion Tree

Posted by Morgan Garner on June 5, 2018 at 7:27am
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Species:Juniperus virginiana

Location:Coffee County, GA

"Many people throughout Coffee County, GA have meaningful connections with the Lone Hill United Methodist Church and its beautiful Cemetery that traces its history to it first known burial in 1848.  The cemetery covers several acres; it has become the final resting place for hundreds of people whose families made this region their home.  Military veterans from the Civil War through the Iraq War are buried here, and are their family members who inspired and celebrated their service. Others are drawn to this special place to witness the National Champion Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana) that has beautified, sheltered, and anchored this space for generations.   

Those who have not seen this stately, enormous tree should venture out to see it.  The site is about 10 miles northeast of Douglas, GA on the Broxton-West Green Road.  Through the years the tree has been featured in such varied publications as the Douglas Enterprise, Smithsonian magazine, Janisse Ray’s book Wild Card Quilt, and the Coffee Historical Society’s Coffee Chronicles. Those visiting will witness a majestic tree that has nurtured and sheltered generations of the faithful. 

Recent measurements re-affirmed this Eastern Redcedar’s stature as a National Champion.  The circumference of the trunk is 251 inches, its height is 56 feet, and the crown exceeds 88 feet. The estimated age is approximately 250 years old."

Nominated by Mark

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Comments

  • James A. Cottingham June 12, 2018 at 2:35pm

    It is thrilling to learn of the nomination of this beautiful Eastern Redcedar in this special place in southern Georgia.  She has sheltered and comforted generations, and she continues to inspire.

  • James A. Cottingham June 12, 2018 at 2:32pm

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2018 Winning Trees

The Lone Hill United Methodist Church National Champion Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana), has planted a legacy upon the residents of Coffee County, Georgia and within the hearts of American Grove members.