Giving Christmas Trees a Second Life: A Green Initiative in Hammond

In Hammond, there's a unique way to keep Christmas trees from becoming trash. Instead of tossing them out, people can drop them off at specific spots. These trees get a new purpose: helping the environment. The idea is simple. After the holidays, residents can take their trees to certain places. Volunteers and students then use these trees to build up wetland areas. This helps protect the environment and gives wildlife a better home. This isn't a new project. It's been going on for over 30 years. Over time, about 45, 000 trees have been used. This year, the project starts on January 6th and runs until after Mardi Gras. There are several drop-off points, including a restaurant and a maintenance facility.The trees need to be clean. No flocked trees are accepted. Also, all decorations, lights, and stands must be removed. This makes it easier to use the trees for their new purpose. The project is a team effort. Many partners work together to make it happen. This includes local cities, a restaurant, and a development district. Students and volunteers play a big role too. They help place the trees in areas that need them most. This project is more than just recycling. It's about teaching people about the environment. It shows how small actions can make a big difference. By giving trees a second life, everyone can help protect the wetlands and the wildlife that call it home.