Fort Macon State Park in Atlantic Beach, North Carolina, pioneered a unique dune restoration approach that repurposes Christmas trees. The park reduces waste, actively contributes to coastal dune restoration, and improves native plant and animal habitats. For this article, we interviewed Randy Newman, the superintendent of Fort Macon Park, about the benefits and concerns some citizens have raised about such programs.
The park's use of brush piles, including Christmas trees, to build and stabilize dunes is rooted in a long history. "The brush works the same as sand fence or snow fence in catching the sand on the frontal dunes, said Newman. "People donate their tree after Christmas, so there is a large cost saving in not buying a sand fence. The US military used brush piles at the fort when it was active in the 1800s to stabilize the shifting sand and build the dunes to prevent overwash and storm damage, and then the CCC and WPA continued using brush to build the dune system at the park. The park took a lot of damage from Hurricane Hazel and Donna. Park staff decided to use Christmas trees in 1964, and we still take them from locals today to keep them out of the landfills."
What about the trees in the dunes collecting trash? "No real problem with trash; however, if trash blows into the dunes, it's going to catch or land somewhere," said Newman. If we get a large blow out in the dunes (large area that lose vegetation normally caused by foot traffic and then wind carving out the dunes because no vegetation to hold the dunes from moving) we lay trees in the area, the trees stabilize the area, with birds using the trees for cover they deposit seeds in their waste, I would say around ten years the blow out is covered in dune grass and for the trees are mostly gone around 10 years." Over this time, the trees decompose, enriching the soil and promoting the growth of native vegetation.
Although the Army Corp of Engineers does dredge their channel and deposits sand along the shore, the trees provide renourishment in other instances. "We do not want our dunes to move toward the highways or buildings," said Newman. "Most people love the smell of Christmas trees and helping save the dunes. However, a few people don't always like the look when you put them out. If you put the trees on the frontal dunes area with the prevailing wind, they should be totally covered in a few months. The nutrients from the decaying trees and beach grass come in thick and quickly cover the area, helping to hold the sand in place."
Benefits of Christmas Tree Recycling
The practice of recycling Christmas trees offers several environmental and economic benefits:
Dune Stabilization: Trees placed on dunes help to anchor the sand and prevent erosion, protecting coastal infrastructure and ecosystems.
Habitat Creation: The trees provide shelter and nesting sites for birds and other wildlife.
Soil Enrichment: As the trees decompose, they release nutrients that nourish the soil, promoting the growth of dune vegetation.
Waste Reduction: Recycling Christmas trees diverts them from landfills, reducing the waste generated.
Cost Savings: Using recycled trees for dune stabilization, communities can save money on traditional methods like sand fencing.
How You Can Get Involved
If you're looking to make a positive impact on the environment, consider recycling your Christmas tree. Many communities offer tree recycling programs, often in partnership with local parks or conservation organizations. Participating in these programs can help protect coastal ecosystems and reduce your carbon footprint.
As Fort Macon State Park demonstrates, a simple act like recycling a Christmas tree can have a lasting impact on the environment. We can ensure a healthier planet for future generations by embracing sustainable practices.
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