By: Michael Bennett, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Ridgetown Independent News
A giant white oak in Camp Cataraqui, estimated to be over 200 years old, was declared the winner of the inaugural ‘Best Tree in Chatham-Kent’ contest.
The massive Swamp White Oak (Quercus alba) received two nominations in the contest organized by NatureCK.
Larry Garside, of Highgate, and Mike Smith, NatureCK president and founder of ReLeafCK, both nominated the tree, which overlooks Clear Creek at Scouts Canada’s Camp Cataraqui on Clearville Road.
Chatham-Kent Mayor Darrin Canniff joined contest judges and a nice-sized crowd at the award ceremony on October 24, where a ‘Best Tree CK’ banner was wrapped around the giant white oak.
Members of the 1st Ridgetown Scout Troop attended the ceremony, as the local group holds year-round outings at Camp Cataraqui and is very familiar with Mighty Oak and its story.
“We’ve been coming out here since we started back up in 2016,” said Adam Frazee, leader of the 1st Ridgetown Scout Troop. “We get a group picture at the tree every year.”
In his nomination submission, Garside said the tree overlooks Clear Creek, the site where John Colbrook Bury landed in 1815.
“Later in 1816, Bury brought his family to settle for the long term in this area,” Garside wrote.
“This family was the area’s first settlers, and judging by the size of this oak, it likely witnessed the family’s arrival,” wrote Garfield, who submitted a photo of his granddaughter, Blake Johnston, standing in front of the tree.
Larry Cornelius, past president of NatureCK and environmental educator and author; Greg Van Every, conservation services co-ordinator at the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority; Chatham Councillor Brock McGregor; and Smith were the contest judges.
A Shumard Oak (Quercus shumardii), located in Tecumseh Park in Chatham, was named the runner-up. In contrast, a huge Black Walnut (Juglans nigra), located in Maple Leaf Cemetery in Chatham, was the third-place tree.
Over 20 trees were nominated, including one on Chestnut St. in Ridgetown and two inside Rondeau Provincial Park, during the nomination period that ran in July and August.
A slide show of all entries can be found on the NatureCK Facebook page.
The judges took into consideration the age and size of all entries, along with their historical value, species importance, aesthetic appeal, community connection, and personal significance to the nominee.
“We asked for submissions and we received many beautiful photos from all over Chatham Kent,” said Susan Jeffrey, of NatureCK, at the ceremony. “Choosing a winner was not an easy task; every tree had its own qualities and attributes which made it a contender.”
Jeffrey stated that heartfelt stories of family memories, history and personal connections with the trees accompanied the nominations.
“We have some really great personal stories about people and trees, which was the best part of it,” Jeffrey said.
“They’re all historically great and they’re great specimens of trees, but it was the connection that the people had with the trees that was encouraging because it makes us think there are still people out there who don’t want to cut them down,” said Jeffrey.
NatureCK thanks everyone who took the time to nominate and share their favourite tree story.
Residents are encouraged to find their personal favourite tree and learn its history for the ‘Best Tree in Chatham-Kent’ contest in 2026, as nominations will open in July.
NatureCK is the rebranded name for the Sydenham Field Naturalists, an environmental advocacy and education organization that has been around for over four decades.
A new NatureCK website is currently under consideration, as information is still available on the original www.sydenhamfieldnaturalists.ca website.
