UPDATE: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - The voluntary program also is meant to recognize the stewardship of those individuals who own noteworthy trees.

"It was meant to be a ceremonial recognition of landmark or heritage trees of any given species that are large for their particular species,” said Rick Brown, associate planner with the Meridian Township Planning Division. “Whether it be a hickory tree, or an oak tree, or walnut tree, you name it, if it meets the requirement, we want to recognize it."

Although the program doesn’t necessarily place sanctions on the trees or protect them from being cut down, Brown said the recognition still helps to bring attention to the importance the township places on trees and the environment.

"Just reminding people that we have some beautiful trees here that have been here since before we were, is a way of educating and empowering people,” said Brown.


ORIGINAL STORY: MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Thanks to a program established in 1996, residents in Meridian Township can nominate trees they believe to be noteworthy enough to be called a Heritage Tree.