In this neck of the woods, it may be correctly assumed that “the big tree”— as the magnificent, 350- to 400-year-old bur oak growing in a field near McBaine is commonly known — is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) State Champion Quercus macrocarpa. Located on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the stately sentinel was arguably historic even before those prominent early explorers passed within sight of it.
At one time, Mizzou Botanic Garden (MUBG) claimed six of MDC’s tree champions, but records are not static. Things change — and grow. Interim program manager, MDC Kansas City Urban Forester Chuck Conner, said the program has revamped its criteria. Only native trees are now considered, and shrubs, like MUBG’s buttonbush champ, no longer qualify.
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Let us know which John Darkow cartoon you would like as a reprint.
About the opinion page
The Missourian’s Opinion section is a public forum for the discussion of ideas. The views presented in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Missourian or the University of Missouri. If you would like to contribute to the Opinion page with a response or an original topic of your own, visit our submission form.
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