Your Real Christmas Tree Can Help Rhode Island's Aquatic Life

Don’t know what to do with your real Christmas tree? The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (RIDEM) wants to take it off your hands.

RIDEM is teaming up with the Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited for the “Trees for Trout” Christmas tree collection event on Saturday, January 4^th.

Your tree brought holiday cheer and now it can improve the habitats for aquatic life. Here’s how to participate.

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Rhode Island’s ‘Trees for Trout’ Program

The Trees for Trout program was started in 2018 to assist in restoration projects to fish habitats.

When riverbanks erode, sediment is carried away by flows that fill in pools downstream and can cause some big problems. Tree donations will help prevent erosion.

“This summer, DEM staff and Trout Unlimited volunteers will build ‘conifer revetments’, placing the donated trees along riverbanks to help stabilize the banks and prevent erosion,” said DEM. “As the tree trap sediment and decompose, they eventually become part of the ecosystem, offering protection to small native brook trout and other aquatic species looking to hide from predators.”

How to Donate Your Tree to RIDEM and Trout Unlimited

The ‘Trees for Trout’ Christmas tree collection takes place on Saturday, January 4^th from 10 am to 2 pm at the Arcadia Check Station, 2224 Ten Rod Road, Exeter.

Dear Donors, keep these guidelines in mind before donating:

DEM is only accepting real trees, not fake ones or trees sprayed with fire-retardant chemicals
All decorations, tinsel, ornaments, lights, and the stand must be removed before the tree is brought in.
Only whole conifers will be accepted. Do not bring tree trimmings.
Trees larger than 5 feet are preferred.
DEM will not accept large drop offs of surplus trees from businesses.

Also, never dispose of Christmas trees in waterways or beaches. If you had a real tree this year, consider donating on January 4th. Rhode Island's aquatic life thanks you.