Southeastern Louisiana University and its partners are offering Christmas tree recycling in Hammond and Ponchatoula to support wetland restoration efforts.
Discarded trees, instead of going to landfills, are used to combat erosion and create wildlife habitats in the Manchac Swamp Wetlands.
Turtle Cove Environmental Research Station Manager Rob Morreau says this initiative marks its 30th year.
“We usually average in the past several years probably in the 600 range. We’ve probably collected anywhere in the range of 400 to 800 trees a year,” said Morreau.
Morreau says residents can drop off trees at various locations, and Trees must be free of decorations, stands, and flocking.
“You should check with your local municipalities or parish government to see how they collect discarded Christmas trees,” Morreau said.
This program continues thanks to local collaboration despite the end of state grants and Morreau says it’s a great hands-on activity to get people connected more to the environment.
“And so our volunteers, usually the ones in my environment aware class at Southeastern get involved in actually deploying those out into the wetlands,” said Morreau.
