The non-profit FCTP was founded in 1997 to protect, propagate and plant Florida's State and National Champion Trees. A Champion Tree is defined as the largest tree of its species, as calculated by combining measurements of trunk circumference, tree height and average crown spread. According to the Accelerator Growers Association (AGA), Florida leads the nation with 146 National Champion Trees, however, few of these trees are protected by law and none had been propagated until the FCTP began its activities one year ago.

The first Florida National Champion Tree clone in history was on display during the conference. The healthy, six-foot high Green Buttonwood tree was propagated from a cutting from the National Champion which grows in Palm Beach and is estimated to be over 150 years old. The Green Buttonwood Champion Tree clone was grown in The Accelerator® Container Growing System by the AGA, a FCTP sponsor.

The award presentation was conducted during a FC/ASLA reception at Pan's Garden in the Town of Palm Beach. This native garden is a project of the Preservation Foundation of Palm Beach and was designed by the firm of Sanchez & Maddux to educate residents about the unique environmental heritage of the area. Pan's Garden was the first public garden to receive a cloned Champion Tree and has planted its Green Buttonwood prominently at the main entrance gate.

For more information on Champion Tree Projects, contact the organization at 561-683-3278.