Our #HugaTreeLT Challenge has ended but you can still find all 9 featured trees listed below by visiting Land Trust public properties. If you completed the challenge by sharing photos with all 9 trees using the tags @landtrustnal and #HugaTreeLT before the end of 2021 but have not yet been contacted to redeem your prize, please let us know at questions@landtrustnal.org.
Tree of the Month
APRIL
Monte Sano Nature Preserve
Bluff Line Trail
Location: (N 34.743905° W 86.542810°) Begin from Bankhead Trailhead. You’ll find the tree on Bluff Line Trail between Tollgate Trail and Old Railroad Bed Trail. Download trail map.
Species: Osage Orange
MAY
Rainbow Mountain Nature Preserve
Balance Rock Trail
Location: (34°43’58” N, 86°43’41” W) Visit Balance Rock midway down it’s namesake trail and you’ll find this month’s featured tree alongside it! Once you’ve identified it, you’ll notice there are several other cedars around the area. Download trail map.
Species: Eastern Red Cedar
JUNE
Green Mountain Nature Preserve
Alum Hollow Trail
Location: (N 34.588921°, W 86.511398°) You’ll find it on Alum Hollow Trail just passed the first bridge about halfway up the hill, on the right. Download trail map.
Species: Chestnut Oak
JULY
Chapman Mountain Nature Preserve
Terry Trail
Location: (N 34°46’35” N, 86°33’9″ W ) From the pavilion, head north on Moonshine Trail. Take a right onto Terry Trail. The tree is just past the short wooden bridge and next to Mossy Falls (indicated on the trail map). It is a Tulip Poplar and has a sign indicating the tree species (part of our Big Trees on Terry Trail Tour). Download trail map.
Species: Yellow Poplar
AUGUST
Harvest Square Nature Preserve
Beaver Dam Trail
Location: (N 34°50’52” N, 86°42’34” W ) The tree is just inside the trailhead to the left of the information kiosk before you cross over the first bridge. Download trail map.
Species: Green Ash
SEPTEMBER
Wade Mountain Nature Preserve
Devil’s Racetrack Trail
Location: (N 34°48’28” N, 86°35’23” W) The tree is located at Spragins Hollow Trailhead. Facing the kiosk, it’s to the left of the trail entrance, next to the bike rack. Download trail map.
Species: Red Mulberry
OCTOBER
Bethel Spring Nature Preserve
Bethel Spring Loop Trail
Location: This tree is located next to the trailhead parking area alongside Bethel Spring Loop Trail. Download trail map.
Species: Pecan
NOVEMBER
Blevins Gap Nature Preserve
Walsingham Trail
Location: (N 34.672429º W 86.525430º) This featured tree is located a little further from the trailhead than our others but it’s a beautiful hike to a beautiful tree. It’s located on the North side of the preserve.
For the easiest route, begin from Walsingham Trailhead and hike straight along Walsingham Trail almost to its end. You’ll find the tree on the left before you reach the intersection with Chittamwood Trail.
For a more challenging hike, begin from Fanning Trailhead. Take Fanning Trail uphill (it’s a steep, rocky climb) and take a left onto Walsingham Trail. You’ll find our November tree on the left side of the trail right before you reach the intersection with Chittamwood Trail.
Download trail map and find trailhead information.
Species: Shagbark Hickory
DECEMBER
Bradford Creek Greenway
Location: (34.72, -86.78) Access City of Madison‘s Bradford Creek Greenway at Heritage Elementary School. You’ll find this tree just past the first bend in the greenway, a bit off the walkway along the stream edge. Download trail map.
*DYK? Bradford Creek Greenway is a partnership between the City of Madison and Land Trust of North Alabama. The greenway is managed and maintained by the City of Madison. Approximately 1 mile of the 2.24 trail utilizes Land Trust property. Remaining portions of the greenway are owned by the City of Madison.
Species: American Beech