Friday, March 6, 2026
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
Latest:
The CSC Eagle Newspaper – Chadron, NE
News

CSC plans retirement party for Champion blue spruce

Eagle Staff
The Nebraska State Champion Blue Spruce Tree, which is estimated to be 75 feet tall, is being retired because part of the tree is deteriorating and is now a safety hazard to the public. The height of the tree is shown compared to students Sarah Townsend, 20, junior of Douglas, Wyoming, 5 feet 2 inches; Ashley Swanson, 22, senior of Byron, 5 feet 11 inches; and Caleb Geiger, 19, sophomore of Cozad, 6 feet 6 inches. —Photo by Micheal Kruger
The Nebraska State Champion Blue Spruce Tree, which is estimated to be 75 feet tall, is being retired because part of the tree is deteriorating and is now a safety hazard to the public. The height of the tree is shown compared to students Sarah Townsend, 20, junior of Douglas, Wyoming, 5 feet 2 inches; Ashley Swanson, 22, senior of Byron, 5 feet 11 inches; and Caleb Geiger, 19, sophomore of Cozad, 6 feet 6 inches. —Photo by Micheal Kruger

Chadron State College has been home to a Nebraska State Champion tree for more than 80 years. The Colorado blue spruce tree on the Dean’s Green is the largest tree of it’s kind in the state of Nebraska. Chadron State College and the Nebraska State Forest Service have opted to retire the tree, as it has become a safety hazard.

A retirement party will take place Saturday from 8-11 a.m., with refreshments provided. The party will be under the canopy created by the tree along 10th Street. It will be part of the Family Day events.

The tree’s specific age is unknown, but since the tree was planted it has grown to 68 feet tall and has a trunk circumference of 9 feet 8 inches, according to the last measurement in 2002. Since then, the tree is believed to have grown more in height and circumference.

Lucinda Mays, administration and finance grounds supervisor, is excited that the tree is being recognized in this ceremony.

“All the trees out there were planted at the earliest in 1936,” Mays said. “It is unusual to have a tree of that size and age out here in western Nebraska, because it is so dry. We are inviting people out to celebrate the tree and to let people know more about the Nebraska State Champion Tree Program.”

The Nebraska State Foresters and CSC Arboretum Volunteers will be present at the event to answer more questions about the program.

CSC Arboretum Volunteers will also be planting trees near Edna Work Hall and south of Old Admin. They will also be cleaning flower beds in front of Memorial Hall and preparing the Flag Plaza.