FRANKFORT, KY. (LEX 18) — Taking down the Christmas tree can feel sad, but it’s also an opportunity to do something good for Kentucky wildlife.
Once you’ve removed the ornaments and tinsel, Kentucky Fish & Wildlife will turn a natural Christmas tree into a great home for Kentucky’s underwater residents, as part of their “Christmas for the Fishes” program.
Each year, staff transform donated trees into fish habitat by building structures and submerging them in public waters. According to fisheries biologist Joseph Zimmerman, they receive around 4,500 trees each year. The trees are good for attracting fish and help create hotspots for activity so ecosystems can thrive.
Zimmerman says the Christmas tree sites can attract fish like small baitfish, bluegill, large bass, and crappie.
“People like to see their tree going to something like this,” Zimmerman said. “Typically you take your tree, it's going to go to the landfill somewhere. This is a thing to get another good use from these cut Christmas trees. We need these trees really statewide.”
Trees must be free of all lights, tinsel, and ornaments. The collection runs every day between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. until January 15th.
Here's a listof drop-off locations.
