Cut down your own free Christmas tree

Group aims to remove invasive spruce from site

Still in the market for an oldfashioned Christmas tree? Nature Conservancy Canada (NCC) is offering the chance to chop one down for free.

The tree harvest takes place on Saturday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the NCC’s Messier property — a 40-minute drive northeast of Saskatoon. The goal is to remove as many invasive spruce trees as possible from the property.

Anyone is welcome to join the harvest — sign-up spots are available on the NCC’s website — and enjoy some hot chocolate after the tree is chopped and ready to head to its new home.

Because the spruce trees do not normally grow in the Aspen Parkland ecoregion, they are considered an invasive species. Their removal will help restore the natural habitat and limit ecological damages in the area, the NCC says, noting spruce trees are known to alter the soil chemistry as they shed their needles and provide refuge for animals not native to the area.

“Removing the spruce trees will help return ecological integrity on the Messier property and restore it to its former glory,” said Matthew Braun, manager of conservation science and planning for NCC in Saskatchewan.

“The trees are similar to Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree and they need a home. They don’t belong here on this bit of prairie, but would look great in your home for Christmas.”

Removing the spruce trees will help return ecological integrity on the Messier property and restore it to its former glory.