City of Gilbert | City of Gilbert website
City of Gilbert | City of Gilbert website
Gilbert, Ariz. - The town of Gilbert has launched a unique initiative to repurpose old Christmas trees for a good cause. Partnering with the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Gilbert aims to collect 600 live Christmas trees from drop-off locations around the community and use them to create a new home for fish in Roosevelt Lake.
The Christmas tree donation program is part of the Arizona Game and Fish Department's Aquatic Habitat Program, which aims to enhance fish habitats and improve the overall ecosystem of local reservoirs. By tying the trees to cinder blocks and submerging them in select locations in Roosevelt Lake, the town hopes to provide a safe and suitable environment for fish.
In addition to benefiting the aquatic life, Gilbert has also teamed up with Goats With Horns Animal Sanctuary, a local non-profit organization. Through this partnership, ten Christmas trees will be transformed into goat food, contributing to the well-being of animals at the sanctuary.
To ensure the success of the program, Gilbert has set specific criteria for the donated trees. Only real trees will be accepted, and they must be unbagged and free of all decorations, including lights, hooks, and tree stands.
Residents are encouraged to drop off their old Christmas trees at designated collection locations by January 14. The drop-off locations include Hetchler Park on S. Greenfield Road, Freestone Park's Overflow Parking Lot on E. Guadalupe Road, and Sunbelt Rentals (Formerly A to Z Equipment) on E. Baseline Road. The collection sites will be open daily from 5:30 AM to 10:00 PM, except for Sunbelt Rentals, which will be closed on Sundays.
By participating in this program, residents can contribute to reducing holiday waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, Americans generate 25% more waste during the holiday season, amounting to an additional one million tons per week. Donating their Christmas trees allows Gilbert residents to play a part in minimizing waste and promoting environmental sustainability.
To ensure a safe holiday season, Gilbert Fire & Rescue Department offers some essential tips for handling live Christmas trees. Firstly, it is recommended to cut about two inches from the base of the trunk before placing the tree in the stand. This helps the tree absorb water and prolong its lifespan. Secondly, it is crucial to choose a tree stand that can hold water and to water the tree daily. Additionally, the tree should be positioned at least three feet away from any heat sources, such as fireplaces, radiators, candles, heat vents, or lights, to minimize the risk of fire hazards. Lastly, it is essential to ensure that the tree does not block any exits, ensuring a safe path in case of emergencies.
Through this innovative initiative, Gilbert is not only creating a new fish habitat but also supporting an animal sanctuary. By repurposing old Christmas trees, the town is promoting environmental conservation and community engagement. Residents are urged to take part in this meaningful endeavor by donating their trees and making a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
To learn more, click on this link: https://www.gilbertaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/5791/352
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