The Rhode Island Tree Council recently announced that it is accepting tree nominations for the Helen Walker Raleigh Champion Tree Program.

Begun in 2006, the champion tree program promotes awareness of the contribution trees make to quality of life by finding and profiling the biggest trees in Rhode Island. Residents who want to nominate a tree can download a nomination form from the tree council's Web site at www.ritree.org, or call 764-5885.

The Champion Tree Program is designed to stimulate public awareness of tree resources, develop a database of key trees and shrubs in the state, and educate the state's citizens about the state's botanical heritage.

As part of the program, the council plans to work with owners of champion trees to preserve and protect them. The Champion Tree Program is supported by a grant from the Helen Walker Raleigh Tree Care Trust, which is managed by the Rhode Island Foundation.