Recycled Christmas trees being used for marsh restoration

Christmas tree recycling is taking place in St. Tammany Parish, and trees are being used for marsh restoration.

Pre-Katrina, Christmas trees had contributed to the restoration of over 10 acres of vital wetlands. During Katrina, St. Tammany Parish lost 7.3 square miles of wetlands. Last year, the collected trees were burned by arson before they could be placed in the marsh. Trees are definitely needed this year.

Citizens should call their local garbage hauler to see if they are participating in the program and for pickup schedules. 

Citizens may also drop off their trees at two locations in the parish.  In Eastern St. Tammany, trees may be dropped off at the Slidell Administrative Complex on Military Road near Brownswitch. In west St. Tammany, trees may be dropped off at the Covington Fairgrounds Florida Street entrance near Lyon Elementary School.  Trees dropped off at both locations will be used for the project.

No flocked trees can be accepted, and no tinsel or other decorations should be left on the trees.