A goat at Hatch'em Acre nibbles on a Christmas tree. Dec. 27, 2023. PC: Fox 11 Online
(WTAQ-WLUK) — As Christmas has come and gone, some families already have their trees sitting on the lawn ready for pickup by municipalities.
But, organizations like the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary say they’d happily take trees for the creatures who call the place home.
“We’ll use them out here for various different exhibits for our animals. It’s really great enrichment for them. Different smells, natural shelter for them,” said Amy Harris, Senior Animal Keeper at the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary.
The wildlife sanctuary, along with the NEW Zoo in Suamico, use the trees to help add more natural elements for the wildlife.
All you have to do is make sure all ornaments and other decorations are taken off the tree.
“Our wolves get them. Some of our birds of prey do. Our foxes, so a lot of different animals out here get really good use of it,” said Harris.
Down in Calumet County, another group utilizes Christmas trees to help guide those on Lake Winnebago for ice fishing and Sturgeon spearing.
With spearers and anglers are eager for great ice conditions later this winter, the Quinney Fishing Club uses the trees as markers on the ice to safely lead people to and from shore.
“We put them out five miles off of this landing and we tip them towards our shoreline so if it’s foggy like it is today, you come up on the tree line, you know your way off the lake,” said Mark Ecker with the Quinney Fishing Club.
Ecker adds they could need as many as 180 trees.
If you’re wondering what to do with your tree, consider giving it to these groups, for more use following the holidays.
“It’s going to a good use instead of just throwing it out on the curb and letting it just go out to like yard waste,” said Harris.
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