JENNINGS CO. — Indiana Governor Mike Braun recently visited a national champion swamp chestnut oak tree located on a family farm in Crothersville, Jennings County. The tree, owned by Richard and Kris Schepman, holds the title of the largest swamp chestnut oak in the U.S.
The tree stands at a height of 95 feet, with a circumference of 318 inches and a canopy spread of 118 feet. It was recognized as the largest of its kind in the country by the National Champion Tree program, a registry that highlights the nation’s largest trees.
Governor Braun visited the Schepmans’ farm on Tuesday to present them with a certificate honoring their stewardship of the tree.
In a statement, Governor Braun praised the family and other private landowners for their efforts in conservation. “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,” Braun said. He added that Indiana’s forested land has “substantially grown as a result of Hoosiers’ conservation work and responsible stewardship.”
