Gluesenkamp Perez Announces 2026 Bigleaf Maple Big Leaf Contest 

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced her fourth annual Bigleaf Maple Big Leaf Contest to encourage residents of Washington’s Third District to get out in the woods and find the biggest Bigleaf Maple leaf they can.

Last year’s winner, James Owen, shows off his 21in leaf found in east Lewis County 

Previous winners have included Maynard M. with an 18.5in leaf found in Curtis in 2024, and Dirk and Dixie H. who found a 23.5in leaf in Randle in 2023. Last year brought in an impressive 21in leaf, found by James Owen from Raintree Nursery.

“This competition started when I found out the largest maple leaf on record in the congressional library was tiny and from Kentucky. And I was like ‘We can’t have that. There are bigger leaves than that in the woods by my house.’ We’re so lucky here in Southwest Washington to have some of the most beautiful trees in the country–and this competition is about bringing that pride of place to the U.S. Capitol,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “So go, get out in the woods, enjoy a fall day with your family, find some really big honking leaves and just have fun! I promise you’ll learn so much about the woods we’re so lucky to share.”

Bigleaf Maple trees are found all over the Pacific Northwest, and the showcase spurs folks to get outside, enjoy our woods, and learn about the challenges facing the Bigleaf Maple.

The biggest leaf will be displayed for visitors to see in the Congresswoman’s office and showcased online.

Constituents can learn how to enter here, and they should submit an image of their leaf by October 23rd, while preserving the original.

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