Arnold, CA…Sunday, November 24th, 1–3 PM. Sequoia Woods Country Club, 1.000 Cypress Point Dr., Arnold, CA. Do you have what it takes to break a record? Bring your longest sugar pinecone to the Calaveras Pinecone Competition this Sunday in Arnold – halfway between Yosemite and Tahoe – and see how it measures up against the best!

“The event has a dual purpose: to provide a fun experience for the community and to educate attendees on the fascinating world of sugar pinecones,” said Marlaine Cover of Arnold, who organized the competition. “Although large sugar pinecones are a common sight in Calaveras County, many locals are unaware they are among the longest pinecones on the planet.”

While Coulter pinecones native to the coastal mountains of southern and central California are the heaviest — some tipping the scales at over 10 pounds, earning them the nickname “widow-makers” — sugar pinecones (Pinus lambertiana) hold the title for length, growing up to 22 inches long, making them a true marvel of the natural world.

Fun Facts About Sugar Pinecones:
Sugar pines produce both male and female cones.

Male cones are smaller, grow on lower branches, and release pollen before shriveling.

Female cones grow on higher branches, bear seeds and change color as they ripen.

Green cones are immature and won’t produce viable seeds; they are best left on the tree
to mature over several months.

In California you can collect up to two bushels of ornamental pinecones/household/year without a permit. Only dry cones found on the ground may be harvested. A “dry cone” refers to one that has fully dried out, causing its scales to open and release seeds, signaling it’s ready for natural dispersal.

Exciting News for Participants:
Unlike other pinecone competitions, winners at the Calaveras Pinecone Competition get to keep their record-breaking cones along with their prizes! Judges include Calaveras CountyDistrict 3 Supervisor Martin Huberty and Vida Kenk, VP of Calaveras Big Trees Association, and former head of the science and biology departments at San Jose State University.
Don’t miss this unique event celebrating the beauty and wonder of nature’s creations. Space is limited so Text 209.770.1111 to register. Ten dollar cash entrance fee will be collected at door. One hundred percent of all monies will go to the winner.

Emergency walkie-talkie-like GMRS radios are the prize for the runner-up. Arnold residents have a radio network for use during emergencies when cell towers and/or power is down.