Jan 9, 2013 1 min read

The ugly sweaters have been returned for store credit, the lights have been taken down and New Year’s Day has come and gone. It’s time to get rid of the Christmas tree sitting in the living room.

Two drop-off locations for live Christmas trees between Monday and Jan. 25 at two Washington County parks.

The Washington County Planning Commission first tried a Christmas tree recycling program in the mid-2000s and wanted to try the program again this year.

Jason Theakston of the planning commission said the recycled trees will be used to improve the fish habitat at Cross Creek County Park and Avella,

“They take the trees and tie them around the trunks,” Theakston said. “Then they attach cinder blocks to them and drop them in Cross Creek, which creates a habitat for the fish.”

Trees can be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the boat trailer parking lot at Cross Creek County Park, located off Route 50 near Rea, or the Shelter 1 parking lot at Mingo Creek Park in Nottingham Township, approximately 12 miles east of Washington. Both drop-off locations should be clearly marked.

Any questions should be directed to the Washington County Planning Commission.