The Stevens County Conservation District (SCCD) is currently accepting registrations for the 21^st Annual Big Tree Contest. Don’t wait! Participants for the 2024 contest need to turn in registration forms to SCCD by February 5^th, 2024.

The Big Tree Contest is a youth education program run by Stevens County Conservation District and WSU Stevens County Extension. In March 2024, participants will purchase tree seedlings to plant, feed, water, and care for until late August when they are entered in the Northeast Washington Fair in Colville. The seedlings will be planted in a decorated bucket, and the participant will also enter a forestry related educational poster. This program offers students an opportunity to learn about forestry practices, an important sector of our local economy.

Members from youth organizations such as FFA, 4-H, Grange Youth and Boy Scouts enter trees for individual prizes and ribbons. The top 10 highest scoring trees are entered into the Biggest and Best Auction where they are sold to industry leaders, business owners, and the public. Individual youth can also compete for prizes and fair ribbons but are not eligible for the top-ten auction. The Big Tree Contest is a great opportunity for students to get hands-on experience in growing seedlings.

Visit the Stevens County Conservation District at 232 Williams Lake Road, Colville, to pick up and submit registration forms, get information about the auction, or to donate to the event. With questions or for more information please call SCCD at 509-684-7579. Big Tree Contest rules and registration forms are also available online at https://stevenscountywa.gov/sccd under the Education tab.