How Your Christmas Tree Can Help Protect Rhode Island's Rivers

EXETER, RI — The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management is collecting Christmas trees to help protect the state's river habitats. Donated trees will be used to slow erosion along riverbanks and provide a home for fish, turtles and other animals.

Placing the trees in strategic spots along a river's edge narrows and slows the stream of water, trapping the sediments and stabilizing the bank. The trees also create a refuge habitat for fish, turtles and other organisms in the water.

The initiative is part of a partnership with Trout Unlimited, the department said. Trees can be dropped off at the DEM Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Outdoor Education Office at 1B Camp E-Hun-Tee Place in Exeter. Directions to the office are available on the department's website.

The department will accept trees from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on January 3 and 10. Anyone planning to dropp off their tree is asked to call the office at 401-539-0019 to schedule a drop-off time. Make sure all decorations, lights, tinsel, bags and the tree stand have been removed prior to disposal.

If you're unable to drop off your tree during those times, check out Rhode Island Resource Recovery's options for tree disposal in your town.