Turn Your Christmas Tree into Fish Habitat

Here's a smart way to dispose of your xmas tree

Spruce up wildlife habitat this holiday season! For the eighth year, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and the Rhode Island Chapter of Trout Unlimited (TU) team up for  “Trees for Trout,” recycling donated conifer trees to restore habitat for wild brook trout and other aquatic life. 

Drop off your trees Saturday, Jan. 10, between 10 AM – 3 PM at the Arcadia Check Station, Wood River Arcadia Management Area, 2224 Ten Rod Rd, Exeter.

Tree guidelines:

• Real trees only, no artificial or fire-retardant trees
• Remove all decorations, tinsel, lights, and stands
• Only whole conifers (no trimmings)
• Trees over 5’ preferred
• Bulk drop-offs (5+ trees) must be arranged in advance with RI TU: rhodeislandtu@gmail.com

Launched by RI Trout Unlimited in 2018, the program uses donated Christmas trees to restore fish habitat. DEM and Trout Unlimited volunteers turn trees into “conifer revetments” that stabilize riverbanks, reduce erosion, trap sediment, and create shelter for aquatic life. The trees also help streams remain deep, healthier, and more fish-friendly year-round.

Never dump Christmas trees in waterways or on beaches – it’s illegal without permits. Learn proper disposal options at the Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation’s webpage here.

For more information on DEM programs and initiatives, visit www.dem.ri.gov. Follow DEM on Facebook, Twitter/X (@RhodeIslandDEM), or Instagram (@rhodeisland.dem) for timely updates. Follow DFW on Facebook and Instagram (@ri.fishandwildlife) to stay up to date on news, events and volunteer opportunities. You can also subscribe to DFW’s monthly newsletter here. Sign up here to receive the latest press releases, news, and events from DEM's Public Affairs Office to your inbox.