Mike Sissel of Nile Township was recognized by the Scioto Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for having the largest recorded Black Walnut tree in Scioto County. Scioto SWCD representatives determined the tree stands 90 feet tall with a circumference of 128 inches and an average crown spread of 82 feet.  Scioto SWCD Wildlife Specialist, Marcheta Ferguson, presented Sissel with the Award.

Annually, the Scioto SWCD sponsors its Big Tree Contest to maintain a record of the largest trees of various species in Scioto County. SWCD representatives score the trees based on their height, circumference, and average crown spread.

In 2008, the Scioto SWCD will begin accepting nominations for large Ash Trees in Scioto County. Nomination forms and information is available online at www.sciotoswcd.org.