The Champaign County Forest Preserve will accept Christmas Trees for recycling December 26 through January 18.
Donated trees can be dropped off near the Maple Sugar Grove at Homer Lake or at the maintenance building at the Middle Fork River Forest Preserve.
There are signs to direct you where to drop off the trees. Drop-offs are accepted at the marked sites only.
Some of the trees are chipped for mulch, but others place in the lake to be used as artificial habitat for aquatic species, especially fish. The trees provide protection, food and shade for young fish. In contrast, they also provide great ambush points for predatory fish such as the Large Mouth Bass. The structures are hotspots for breeding and spawning.
Only undecorated, real Christmas trees can be accepted; no yard waste. Commercial drop-offs are prohibited.
For more information call 217-586-3360 or visiting www.ccfpd.org.
The Village of St. Joseph will also pick-up Christmas trees for residents between January 6 and the 17th. Trees are taken to the Homer Lake Forest Preserve.
