Cornell Plantations and other tree-friendly groups in Tompkins County are gearing up for the third annual Big Tree Search, a contest that aims for year-round tree appreciation. Nov. 15, 1997, is the deadline for the nomination of trees that may be the largest of their species in Tompkins County.

In the past two years, Big Tree certificates were awarded to nominators of 65 different species, but "many common species remain to be nominated," according to Ithaca's city forester, Andy Hillman. And Duncan Hilchey of Cornell's Farming Alternatives Program, who came up with the idea for the tree search for this county, said, "We were especially excited about the range of participants." Past winners ranged from elementary school classes to senior citizens.

Besides Cornell Plantations, the Big Tree Committee includes representatives from Cayuga Nature Center, Tompkins County Greenway Coalition, the City of Ithaca, Finger Lakes Land Trust, Environmental Management Council and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Cornell Plantations also joins other groups in sponsoring the contest. Among the sponsors are Cayuga Landscape Co., Cascadilla Tree Service, Level Green Landscaping, Saunders Greenhouse and Garden Center, and Coastal Lumber Company. Additional sponsors are still being sought.

Entry forms to nominate big trees include instructions on how to measure the trunk circumference, crown spread, and height of a big tree and how to submit nominations. Forms are available at Cornell Plantations, Cornell Cooperative Extension, or the Cayuga Nature Center, or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Cornell Plantations, One Plantations Road, Ithaca, NY 14853. Entry into the contest is free. More information is available from Nancy Ostman at (607) 255-9638, or Andy Hillman at (607) 272-1718.