CHICO, Calif. — The large Southern Magnolia tree in front of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico, Calif., is being recognized as a State Champion by the California Big Trees program, run by the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo.
According to Cal Poly and park officials, the recognition means the Southern Magnolia tree is the largest of its species in the entire state, measuring 92 feet high, with a trunk circumference of 226 inches and a crown spread of 65 feet.
The large Southern Magnolia tree in front of Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park in Chico, Calif., is being recognized as a State Champion by the California Big Trees program, run by the Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute at Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo. (Courtesy: Chaye Vail/UFEI)
The tree, nominated by Richie Bamlet in 2026, was originally planted around 1865 when construction of the Bidwell Mansion first began. Park officials said the tree continues to thrive, even after the devastating arson in 2024.
—