Durham County Extension Service and Durham City-County Sustainability Office recently announced winners of the first Durham’s Finest Trees contest to recognize large or historical trees in the county and city. Awards were given out on March 6^th as part of the Arbor Day festivities at the Museum of Life and Science. Four awards were given in honor of four tree species large for their size; willow oak, white oak, tupelo and white ash. As an example of the size of these trees, the winning willow oak has a circumference of 18.5 ft. Tree owners are Robert Appleby, Lorisa Seibel, and Elaine McNeill. A tree on Parkwood HOA land also won as the white ash tree nominated by Michael Pollock. Tree owners are justifiably proud of their trees as they have been lovingly maintained and protected. Applications will be available this fall for next year’s contest.