Lewis Center, Ohio has several of the region’s largest recorded trees, including a state and national notable Eastern Cottonwood near Alum Creek State Park.
This guide lists the biggest named specimens, how they are measured, where to see them, and how to report a candidate.
Champion trees in Lewis Center
Lewis Center lies inside Delaware County north of Columbus. The area includes preserved parks and waterways that support very large trees. Highbanks Metro Park and Alum Creek State Park are the main public sites where the largest specimens grow.
How champion trees are defined and scored
A champion tree is the largest known specimen of a species in a given area. The standard score uses three measurements. Measure trunk circumference at 4.5 feet above ground. Measure total tree height. Measure average crown spread. Use this formula. Add circumference in inches to height in feet. Add one quarter of the average crown spread in feet. The result is the total champion score. This formula is used by national and state programs.
The Alum Creek Eastern Cottonwood (largest recorded near Lewis Center)
The Eastern Cottonwood at Alum Creek is one of Ohio’s best documented big trees. The recorded measurements are a circumference near 380 inches, height around 122 feet, and crown spread about 102.9 feet. Its total champion score is over 500 points, placing it among the state’s largest specimens by species. The tree sits in a woodland near Cheshire Road and Africa Road inside Alum Creek State Park.
Other major specimens near Lewis Center
Many large trees grow in the parks and preserved woodlands around Lewis Center. They include big oaks, American sycamores, and large black walnut trees. Exact champion status varies by species and year because new nominations and re-measurements happen routinely. Local park records and the state registry list species-level champions and county leaders. For public viewing, Highbanks Metro Park and preservation properties are the best places to find documented large specimens.
Common champion species in the Lewis Center area
Eastern Cottonwood Populus deltoides — grows fast near water. This species produces some of the highest champion scores in Delaware County.
American Sycamore Platanus occidentalis — can reach very large circumferences and crowns along rivers and floodplains.
White Oak Quercus alba — long lived and often a local largest specimen in woodlots and parklands.
Black Walnut Juglans nigra — large trunk and crown in open areas and older farm woodlots.
Where to see the biggest trees near Lewis Center
Alum Creek State Park. The state park contains the large Eastern Cottonwood near Cheshire Road and Africa Road. The park has trails and parking that allow public viewing of several large specimens.
Highbanks Metro Park. Highbanks protects old woodlands and riparian corridors along the Olentangy River. Trails pass through areas with large oaks and sycamores. Park staff can provide information about notable trees on site.
Preservation Parks of Delaware County properties. These preserves protect remnant forests and record some of the county’s largest trees. Check the preserves’ guides for trail access and tree locations.
How measurements are made and verified
Certified measurers follow standard protocols. Circumference is measured at 4.5 feet above the root collar. Height is measured with a laser rangefinder or hypsometer. Crown spread is the average of two perpendicular crown widths. Measurements must be documented with date, photos, and the name of the measurer for a valid nomination. State or national registries verify and record entries.
How to find official records and maps
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources maintains the state registry and species pages for champion trees. The national registry is maintained by the national champion program and American Forests. Each registry lists species, measurements, and location details when available. Use the state page to search native and nonnative champion lists and to find contact and nomination forms.
How to nominate a tree in and around Lewis Center
Anyone can nominate a candidate tree. Provide the species, precise location, measurements, clear photos, and the date. Submit the information to the state program for review. Local park staff or certified arborists can assist with accurate field measurements. The state registry posts instructions and the nomination form online.
Visiting rules and property access
Many champion trees are on public land and can be viewed from trails and designated access points. Some large specimens grow on private property. Do not enter private land without permission. Respect posted signs and trail restrictions. Do not damage root zones, carve bark, or nail items to trees. For precise location details, consult park maps or contact park staff before visiting.
Conservation status and common threats
Large trees face threats from soil compaction, construction, invasive pests, and disease. Emerald ash borer affects ash species. Root damage and grade changes harm older trees. Urban development can remove surrounding forest that supports large specimens. State and local conservation programs record, monitor, and in some cases protect champion trees in parks. Documenting a large tree in an official registry can support protection and informed management.
Local contacts and resources for Lewis Center
Ohio Department of Natural Resources forestry division handles state champion records and nominations. Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks manage Highbanks and can supply local tree information. Preservation Parks of Delaware County manages several preserves with maps and guides for public access. These organizations provide the authoritative records for champion trees in the Lewis Center region.
Measuring tips for volunteers and landowners
Use a flexible tape for circumference. Mark 4.5 feet from the ground and take the tape around the trunk at that height. For multi-trunk trees, follow registry rules for measurement point and combined circumference. Use a laser rangefinder for height when possible. Take at least two cross measurements for crown spread and average them. Record the GPS coordinates and include photos of the full tree and trunk base. Certified measurers and local arborists can verify numbers before submission.
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Common questions and short answers
What makes a tree a state champion?
A tree is a state champion if it has the highest official score for its species within the state. Scores combine circumference, height, and crown spread.
Can I visit champion trees on private land?
You may only visit with the landowner’s permission. Many major specimens are on public property and accessible from trails.
Who confirms a new champion?
State registries and accredited measurers confirm nominations. The national program verifies national champions. Documentation and repeatable measurements are required.
Record keeping and why it matters
Recording large trees creates a public archive. The archive supports science, conservation, and planning. It helps land managers make informed decisions about threats and protection. Public records also help researchers study tree growth, age, and habitat. State and national registries preserve measured data and often include location metadata when privacy and owner permission allow.
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