Christmas trees used to enhance local wetlands

Will be picked up curbside in St. Charles Parish until Jan. 12

Christmas trees that were nestled inside homes for the holidays will soon begin a new journey to the wetlands where they will help stop coastal erosion.

Those wishing to donate Christmas trees for the protection and enhancement efforts of local wetlands need to place their trees curbside for pickup by Jan. 12. Trees left curbside must be stripped off all decorations and flocked trees will not be accepted.

The trees will be placed in the Simoneaux Ponds in Bayou Gauche. Brush fence enclosures are constructed out of wood and are filled with clean, discarded Christmas trees. Unlike other trees, Christmas trees are large and lightweight and allow the movement of water and sediment without being a barrier. The limbs are also organic and provide an ideal fisheries habitat.

The prototype of the current brush fence was implemented for the first time in St. Charles Parish in 1989. At that time, 23 brush fences were built and filled with 8,000 used Christmas trees. The fences were inserted into the La Branche Wetlands.

 

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