TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. – Fresh-cut Christmas trees can be recycled directly into the bellies of eco-warrior goats in Northern Michigan.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is accepting real Christmas trees for the organization’s two herds of invasive species fighting goats. The nonprofit will accept trees for about a week for the Traverse City-based herd, as well as a couple days of collecting for the Benzonia-based goats.
Jennifer Jay, the conservancy’s communications director, said conifer trees are packed with vitamin C and other essential nutrients making them “a welcome winter treat for our goats.”
Each summer, the goats are taken to various parks and preserves to combat invasive species that wreak havoc on native flora and fauna. The goats gobble up invasive plants such as common buckthorn, Japanese barberry, autumn olive, and multiflora rose.
This MLive file photo shows goats from Jessica and Gio Scavo’s business Michigoat clearing invasive foliage from a utility-owned property in Shelby Township in April 2025.
Chloe Miller | MLive.com
However, during the long Michigan winter, the goats remain stabled in barns at the Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve in Traverse City and at Misty Acres Farm in Benzonia along the Manistee County line.
The Christmas trees donated to the conservancy provide a tasty option to accompany the hay the goats will eat during winter months. With enough donations, the greenery can stretch across the snowy season, officials said.
Trees must be stripped of decorations, tinsel, paint or other chemicals to be donated for the goats. Participants are also encouraged to drop off trees only during the specified hours and not at the gates or trailheads.
Related: Goat power helps utility company clear invasive plants
Christmas trees will be accepted between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. from Jan. 5-9, at Mitchell Creek Meadows Preserve on North Three Mile Road in Traverse City.
Trees can be dropped off for the second goat herd between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Jan. 9-10 at Misty Acres Farm on North Manistee County Line Road in rural Benzonia.
Christmas trees donated to the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy provide a tasty option to accompany the hay the nonprofit’s goats will eat during winter months.Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
The up-north environmental organization isn’t the only place Michiganders can recycle their Christmas tree to benefit hungry goats. Some farms and petting zoos also help to recycle the greenery to benefit their animals.
For example, the Montague Future Farmers of America and Alumni group is collecting real Christmas trees to share with goat owners around the area. Trees can be left from now through Jan. 8 next to the barn door at Montague High School, 4900 Stanton Boulevard in Montague.
Another spot to donate real Christmas trees for goat snacking is at Mathewson’s Farm & Rabbitry in Stanton. Donations there can be arranged via the farm’s Facebook page.
Finally, the Lewis Adventure Farm & Zoo in New Era is accepting a limited number of real Christmas trees for its goats and other animals. Donations for the petting zoo can similarly be arranged through its Facebook page.
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