DNR: Jennings County is home to largest swamp chestnut oak tree in the county

JENNINGS COUNTY, Ind. — Indiana Governor Mike Braun visited a record-setting tree in Jennings County this week.

The tree that drew the attention of Indiana’s governor is a swamp chestnut oak tree located on a family farm in Crothersville that is owned by Richard and Kris Schepman. The tree boasts a height of 95 feet, a circumference of 318 inches and a canopy spread of 118 feet.

The National Champion Tree program — a registry that draws attention to the largest trees in the county — recognized the Schepmans’ tree as the biggest swamp chestnut oak tree in the U.S.

Braun visited the Schepmans’ farm on Tuesday to present them with a certificate that honors their stewardship of the tree.

“Over the last century, Indiana’s forested land has substantially grown as a result of Hoosiers’ conservation work and responsible stewardship,” Braun said via release. “The Schepman family and private landowners across the state deserve high praise for their commitment to growing healthy trees like this giant in Jennings County, which I hope continues to stand tall for generations of future Hoosiers to enjoy.”

The Schepmans’ tree garnered a score of 442.5 from the National Champion Tree program. The organization uses trees’ height, circumference and canopy spread to calculate their scores.

The Indiana DNR’s division of forestry first notified the National Champion Tree program about the Schepmans’ tree. The DNR’s division of forestry also maintains a by-species record of Indiana’s largest-known native trees.

According to the U.S. Forest Service, the swamp chestnut oak tree is known to grow in states across the country, including Florida, Texas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee.

Because the Schepmans’ tree is on private property, it is not available for public viewing.

A full list of Indiana’s state champion trees is available here.