Southeastern Louisiana University is asking area citizens to give the environment a gift after Christmas this year. Discarded Christmas trees can be dropped off and used for a wetland restoration rather than throwing them out with the trash. This marks the 25th straight year Southeastern has conducted its recycled tree program. Volunteers and students will deploy the trees in the Manchac wetlands. It is estimated that approximately 40,000 trees have been deployed through the Southeastern program since that time. Southeastern scientists at Turtle Cove use the discarded trees to help build up marshland in areas that have been impacted by erosion and other factors.
Trees can be dropped off beginning Jan. 6 through Mardi Gras from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Hammond Maintenance facility next to Piggly Wiggly Super Market. The Southeastern Sustainability Center on North Oak Street and Pennington’s Hardware and Screenprinting will also accept trees. A Turtle Cove trailer drop off site will also be maintained at Middendorf’s Restaurant beginning Saturday, Jan 4.
No flocked trees will be accepted, and all trees should be stripped of any ornaments, lights, tinsel, or stands. Donations to help support the activity can be made payable to “Friends of Turtle Cove” and mailed to Southeastern or by credit card by visiting the Turtle Cove web site.
