PRESS RELEASE
MEEKER | After the holidays, many Christmas trees end up discarded, but in Meeker they can continue to serve an important purpose. Re-gifting your used Christmas tree is a simple way to support local conservation efforts while keeping a natural resource out of the landfill. Instead of tossing your tree, consider giving it a second life that benefits both our waterways and surrounding land.
The White River Alliance is collecting cleaned Christmas trees to help combat erosion along ditches and ravines. When placed strategically, the trees slow water runoff, trap sediment, and stabilize soil. This natural approach reverses erosion, protects water quality, and supports a healthier White River watershed for wildlife, agriculture, and recreation.
At the same time, Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is seeking used Christmas trees to place in area lakes, where they become valuable fish habitat. Submerged trees provide shelter for young fish, protection from predators, and surfaces for aquatic insects to grow—helping strengthen the entire food chain. These tree structures can improve fishing opportunities and overall lake health right here in our region.
Participating is easy. Please remove all ornaments, lights, tinsel, and decorations from your tree. To give your tree to the White River Alliance, trees can be dropped off at Masonic Lodge parking lot 364 7th St, Meeker, or you can call Steve Coley at 970-456-3596 to arrange for pickup right from your front porch. To give your tree for fish habitat to CPW, you can drop it off at their office. Thank you for re-gifting your Christmas tree and for helping keep the White River healthy for generations to come.
Old Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Colorado Parks and Wildlife office, or in town at the Masonic Lodge parking lot (364 7th St.), or call Steve Coley at 970-456-3596 to arrange for pickup from your front porch. CPW is using them to create fish habitat and the White River Alliance is using them for erosion control. COURTESY PHOTO