Instead of throwing your old live Christmas tree to the curb and the chipper, conservationists are suggesting you use it in your backyard.

Lisa Dahlseide with the Cochrane Ecological Institute says that there are many birds in our area that do not migrate in the winter and the shelter of fir or spruce trees is a welcome treat for them, especially in the bitterly cold weather.

So, if you do not have such a tree in your yard or you would like to add another for the winter, your old Christmas tree will do the trick. You can prop it up near another tree, against a fence, shed, or garage, and watch the birds enjoy the shelter of the tree’s needles.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada suggests redecorating your old tree with pinecones filled with peanut butter or strings of peanuts and suet for the birds to enjoy as well.  Then sit back and watch the birds enjoy the food and shelter.

Dahlseide says that she and her family have used their old Christmas tree in such a way and then disposed of it in the spring.

The Cochrane Ecological Institute Wildlife Reserve Society is dedicated to the conservation and preservation of natural habitat as well as helping rescue and rehabilitate injured or orphaned wildlife.

CEI relies completely on donations from the public to fund care for wildlife. Sadly, their main fundraiser of Christmas tree sales was cancelled this year due to the pandemic this year.

Dahlseide says CEI is always grateful for the public’s support and says that donations can be made on CEI’s website plus, a wish list can be found there as well. Such items as hay, birdseed, fruit, and berries are some of the items that are greatly appreciated.