Did you know one of North America's biggest native leaves can be found right here on one of our conserved properties?

While monitoring one of our protected lands, our Senior Conservation Biologist, Brian, stopped to admire this incredible Big Leaf Magnolia (Magnolia macrophylla). This native understory tree grows up to 40 feet tall, but its most impressive feature is its enormous leaves, the largest simple leaves in North America, reaching up to 3 feet long and 1 foot wide! As if that wasn't enough, the Big Leaf Magnolia also produces one of the largest native flowers in North America. Its creamy white blooms are pollinated by beetles that climb inside the flower, making this tree as fascinating as it is beautiful. Nature is full of amazing discoveries, and protecting these special places helps ensure incredible species like this continue to thrive. 🌳💚