When the holidays are over, it’s time to take down your decorations. If your decorations are made of natural materials, you can use them to help wildlife.
Let’s Get Started
Instead of putting your tree or other plant decorations in the trash, find ways to reuse or recycle them to help wildlife this winter.
Create a brush pile. Using your tree as a base, gather up logs, branches, and twigs to create a pile. If you have a yard or other outdoor space you have permission to use, this is an easy way to reuse your tree and provide cover for wildlife.
Use your tree for winter garden prep. Have an adult help you by chopping up the trunk and branches to make a compost pile. A compost pile breaks down and helps add nutrients to the soil. You can also use the branches and pine needles to insulate your garden.
Put your tree outside. Another simple way to reuse your tree is to simply relocate it! Put your tree in your yard, balcony, or patio and redecorate it with edible ornaments. You can create popcorn strings, pine cone bird feeders, or other ornaments to place on your tree. [Insert Links]
Recycle your tree. Find a local recycling organization that can pick your tree up at the curb or one where your family can drop it off.
Document Your Discoveries
- Draw or describe how you reused or recycled your tree in your Nature Notebook.
- If you reused your tree outside, visit it regularly to see what kinds of wildlife are enjoying it.
Bonus: Use pieces of your tree or other branches and sticks you find outdoors to build a fort.
