The largest white oak (Quercus alba) measured in Butler County is located in the Miami University Natural Areas’ Kramer Woods. 

The towering tree — estimated to be more than 250 years old — received an overall score of 356.5 in the Big Tree Contest 2025 sponsored by the Butler Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). The second-largest white oak received a score of 317. 

The largest red oak (Quercus rubra) measured in Butler County is located on the north side of the Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave (the property is owned by Miami University). The tree is estimated to be more than 150 years old and received an overall score of 325. The second largest red oak received a score of 293.5.  

Big keystone trees

This was the first Big Tree Contest held by Butler SWCD, said Brady Smith, Butler SWCD Rural Specialist and organizer of the contest. “These contests have become popular in other districts across the country and are a great way to build new relationships with landowners, while also being a gateway for other topics like land preservation, invasive species, and forestry management,” he said. 

“With North America home to nearly 100 different oak species, it was easy to choose them as the species of our first contest,” Smith said. A keystone species, “oaks are often the most prized species famous for growing tall.” 

More than 30 landowners and others nominated their big trees for the contest, held July through October last year. Nominated trees were measured by Butler SWCD representatives, using the official Big Tree Contest methods outlined in the National Champion Tree Program. 

The formula for scoring is:

Trunk Circumference (1 inch = 1 point) + Tree Height (1 foot = 1 point) + [Average Crown Spread (feet) x 0.25] = Total Points. 

“The most exciting part about this project was meeting with each landowner and hearing their stories,” Smith said. “One such landowner shared about how he would play in the woods as a kid around the tree, noting that a cavity at the base was said to be home to a troll. Other trees were spared from destruction due to their sheer size and beauty. With many of them measuring large enough to be 300 years old or more, it’s hard to imagine what world events they have lived through.”

Big Tree Contest 2025 : White Oak Champion

Location: Miami University Natural Areas, Kramer Loop Trail in Kramer Woods (Oxford Township)

• Circumference: 200  inches  
• Height: 121..5 feet
• Average Crown Spread: 140  feet
• Score: 356.5
• Estimated age: 250+ years  

"Should be treasured"

This tree was nominated by Steve Gordon, historian, retired administrator of the McGuffey House and Museum at Miami University, and a member of the Miami University Natural Areas committee.

“Imagine if this oak is in fact 250 years old. Both the U.S. and the Kramer white oak may be the same age. Both the nation and tree should be treasured,” Gordon said. 

Take a hike, view the tree on the Kramer Woods Loop Trail

The 0.5 mile Kramer Loop trail provides a variety of hills, slopes, and forest views. Hikers can access this trail using the short Bachelor Connector Trail off the Bachelor North Loop Trail. The trailhead for Bachelor North Loop — with a parking area — is off Bonham Road. The Champion White Oak is located just off the trail near the southwest section of the loop. 

The 12-acre Kramer Woods tract was donated to Miami in 1987 by Paul and Edith Kramer. The land, typical of a mature woodlot in southwest Ohio, is now maintained in its natural state. 

A virtual map and downloadable maps of the Natural Areas trails are available on the website at MiamiOh.edu/life-at-miami/natural-areas.

Big Tree Contest 2025: Champion Red Oak

Location: North side, grounds of the historic Oxford Community Arts Center, 10 S. College Ave., Oxford

• Circumference:  199.2 inches
• Height: 101.5 feet
• Average Crown Spread: 97.25 feet
• Score: 325
• Estimated age: 150+ years 

This tree was nominated by Laura Cohen, a member of the Des Fleurs Garden Club which is an Enduring Partner of the Oxford Community Arts Center. 

It is located between the north side of the historical building and the children’s garden. 

The building, completed in 1850, was originally the home of the Oxford Female Institute. Miami University bought the building and used it as a women’s residence hall from 1930 to the mid-1980s and then as co-ed graduate student housing until 1996. The Oxford Community Arts Center (OCAC) incorporated in 2001 and repurposed the historic building as a community arts center. Miami University and the OCAC signed a 50-year lease, updated in November 2022, with a renewal through 2052.

Miami University Natural Areas 

With 23 miles of trails and more than 1,000 acres, the Miami University Natural Areas is a unique and invaluable resource for recreation, teaching, and research. Established in 1992, the designated greenbelt lands are protected in perpetuity. Maintenance of the trails is funded by donations and endowments. Thousands of visitors enjoy the trails each year. Learn more about the Natural Areas and view virtual and downloadable trail maps at www.MiamiOH.edu/life-at-miami/natural-areas.