WASHINGTON -- American Forests has kicked off "Big Tree Madness" -- a tournament that aims to crown the biggest of the big trees by letting tree enthusiasts vote for their favorites. The top vote-getters will advance to the next round, and eventually the "national championship." Modeled after the NCAA basketball tournament, Big Tree Madness takes place until April 8, when the winner will be named.
The nonprofit conversation organization has selected a "Sweet Sixteen" of national champions from the National Register of Big Trees and placed them in a bracket organized by region.
Voting will take place on American Forests’ Facebook page.
One match per weekday will be posted for voting beginning March 19 and will end with the championship round on April 8. The winner will be announced on April 9.
Sweet 16 – March 19 to March 28
Elite Eight – March 29 to April 3
Final Four – April 4 and April 5
National Championship – April 8
You have 24 hours to vote on each matchup every weekday. Voting starts at 10:00 am EST when the match for the day is posted and will close at 9:59 a.m. EST the next day.
American Forests will announce every winner on Facebook, but you can also keep track of the bracket at the organization's website.The full bracket will be updated after each round.