 With our dry, cold climate, Wyoming is generally not known for large trees. Still, the Champion Tree Program of the group American Forest, with the support of the Wyoming State Forestry Division, recognizes 36 specimens of the largest trees in Wyoming. Ranging from a 40-foot-tall crab apple to this 31-foot-wide plains cottonwood, the largest trees are noted for both their height, spread, and mass. The greatest examples of each species reflect excellent genetics, location, and the good fortune to survive natural or man-made calamity. Although we have no national champions, statewide champion trees can be found in 13 of Wyoming's 23 counties. Some are located on public land, such as national forests, but many are under private ownership, such as this magnificent plains cottonwood located on the Flying X Ranch in Albany County, Wyoming. This tree was planted in approximately 1890 next to the original homestead of the ranch. If you think you have a potential champion tree, you can contact the Wyoming State Forestry Division for consideration. Regardless of status, we can all appreciate the fortitude and grandeur of Wyoming's Champion Trees. For the University of Wyoming Extension, I'm Milton Geiger, Exploring the Nature of Wyoming.