Nature Conservancy offers free cut-your-own Christmas trees
Grab a saw. The Nature Conservancy of Canada has issued an invitation for volunteers to harvest their own Christmas trees — free of charge — from one of its properties on Saturday afternoon.
The annual event is an effort to restore natural wildlife habitat by removing spruce trees from the NCC’s Messier property, which is about a 40-minute drive from Saskatoon.
The property is home to whitetailed and mule deer, ruffed and sharp-tailed grouse and coyote, as well as nesting and migratory songbirds and waterfowl.
“Coniferous (or evergreen) trees are not typically part of the natural ecosystem this far south in the Aspen Parkland eco-region, and their presence may negatively affect habitat for the plants and animals that live there,” the NCC noted in a news release.
“Removing the spruce trees will help native species recover and thrive on the Messier property. 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,” said Matthew Braun, manager of conservation science and planning for NCC’s Saskatchewan region.
Saturday’s event is from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. To sign up online and find directions to the property, visit the NCC’s website at events. natureconservancy.ca.