As the holiday season wraps up, the Urban Growers Collective in South Side Chicago has embraced a unique tradition: recycling Christmas trees by feeding them to goats. This initiative not only provides a festive end to the holiday season but also supports local wildlife on the farm.
Keani Staton, the community and volunteer coordinator at Urban Growers Collective, describes the goats as having “the hugest appetite you will ever see.” The farm, a seven-acre space led by Black and women farmers, has been serving its Nigerian Pygmy goats discarded Christmas trees for the past three years. These trees, stripped of ornaments and tinsel, serve as a delightful treat for the animals.
In the weeks following Christmas, the goats eagerly await their special meal. Staton notes, “After the holidays, their normal diet of hay is just an appetizer to the main course of pine trees.” The goats relish this holiday offering, which they only receive during this time of year.
The process is simple but effective. Community members donate their used Christmas trees, ensuring they are free from any decorations before being fed to the goats. Staton highlights the goats’ enthusiasm for the trees, stating, “I’ve seen them take down a tree in, like, 10 minutes.”
This festive event not only benefits the goats but also promotes sustainable practices. Any leftover tree remnants are composted or used for wood chipping, creating a cycle of waste reduction and environmental stewardship. Staton proudly asserts, “So, it’s a win-win all around for everybody.”
The Urban Growers Collective will continue to accept recycled Christmas trees this weekend and on January 10, 2024. Community members are encouraged to drop off their trees and can even meet the goats during the process.
As the holiday decorations come down, this initiative offers a joyful way to honor the spirit of giving while contributing to the well-being of the animals on the farm. The goats will continue to feast on these festive treats, transforming discarded trees into nourishment and joy on the Urban Growers Collective farm.
