The Missouri Department of Conservation is turning Christmas into habitat help.
From January 1st through January 31st, residents can drop off undecorated real trees at designated sites across central Missouri to be repurposed for fish habitat in local lakes and ponds.
Drop-off locations include MDC’s Central Regional Office in Columbia, Washington Park in Jefferson City, Proctor Park in California, Axis Seed in Boonville, and MDC’s Camdenton Service Center.
all decorations must be removed, and on-site signs will direct donors.
MDC notes that discarded trees are submerged to create structure and shelter for native fish.
If you’d rather not drop off a tree, you can also recycle at city mulch sites or place it under backyard bird feeders to help wildlife.