Jan 5, 2026 By Paul Paterra 2 min read

Washington County is offering a chance to recycle Christmas trees while at the same time creating habitat for fish.

The county’s parks and recreation department is using donated trees to create habitats for fish in local creeks and lakes.

There are two drop-off spots – the main boat trailer parking lot at Cross Creek County Park in Avella and the Shelter 1 parking lot at Mingo Creek County Park in Finleyville. Trees may be dropped off until Jan. 30.

Recycled trees can be anchored to the bottom of the body of water, making an excellent refuge and feeding area for fish.

“They take the trees, tie cinder blocks to them and sink them in the lakes and creeks to build up habitats for the fish so they stay plentiful in the winter,” explained Nicole Ford, the county’s director of public relations. “It’s a pretty common project that a lot of parks will do to build up barriers for the fish, especially with the cold temperatures. I think they receive a few dozen a year, which is enough to fill the need for the habitat since it’s giving a new life to the trees.”

All lights, decorations and tinsel must be removed from the trees.

“Everything has to be off so there’s nothing to contaminate the habitat building under water,” Ford said.

According to the National Christmas Tree Association, the trees make effective sand and soil barriers, especially for lake and river shoreline stabilization and river delta sedimentation management.

The trees also help restore woody structures in lakes that have decayed over time, providing protective cover and shade for various fish species.

Washington County began participating in the practice in 2013 and continues until 2021. It resumed in 2024.