One day, they are filled with bright lights and sparkling ornaments. They are the centerpiece of holiday celebrations and a yearly family tradition. Children gaze in wonder at their beauty and never forget the spectacle.
The next day they are mulch, among the humblest of all plant matter.
Such is the life of a Christmas tree. But the cycle — from shining symbol of the season to ground-up trunk and needles — has become a tradition all its own.
to help area residents recycle
their Christmas trees Saturday,
Jan. 3, at Iron Oaks in Olympia
Fields. (Photo by Eric Crump/
The Chronicle)
That tradition continued Saturday at Irons Oaks Environmental Center as hundreds of Homewood and Flossmoor residents dropped off their Christmas trees at the annual holiday recycling event.
Despite near freezing temperatures and a steady rain, organizers said 350 trees had been collected in the first two hours of the event. A chipper truck from the Homewood-Flossmoor Park had already made two appearances, mulching trees from an ever-growing pile.
“I think we may get 500 trees this year,” said Jennifer Molski, who first launched the recycling program five years ago. “With the weather it’s been a little slower today but there have been more people than I expected.”
As she spoke, one vehicle after another pulled into the Irons Oaks parking lot. Volunteers removed the trees and threw them into the pile. Thanks and good wishes were exchanged. Then another car arrived.
Molski, a member of Flossmoor’s Community Relations Green Committee, was asked why so many people come out on such a miserable day to recycle their trees.
“They know it’s the right thing to do,” she said, adding that there are genuine environmental benefits to recycling trees. They stay out of landfills and mulched trees become part of the landscape at HF parks — and help other plants to grow.
In addition, Molski said the tree recycling has become a tradition in the HF communities.
“We have people who have been volunteers all five years,” she said. “Some residents have brought their trees out here all five years.
Riffice)
“They look forward to this event. It’s the kind of program that makes our community special. It’s a free program completely run by volunteers.”
Mulch from the trees will be used at Irons Oaks and at the Rover’s Run dog park.
Flossmoor resident Jackie Riffice, a volunteer, said she cuts her Christmas tree into two pieces. She brings one half to the recycling event and uses the rest of the tree as compost material in her back yard and garden.
“That way, I’ll still be using the tree next spring and summer,” she said.
Residents can drop off their Christmas trees at Irons Oaks through Jan. 19. The HF Park District and Village of Flossmoor are also collecting used holiday lights at a number of locations.
Molski said it is entirely appropriate that Christmas trees make the transition from bright holiday centerpiece to humble mulch.
“I have heard that Christmas trees are symbols of everlasting life,” she said. “These trees are giving everlasting life.”
Molski thanked to everyone who braved the elements during the drop-off session. She said about 100 trees were contributed.
Volunteers included Dave Ward, Cheryl Vargo, Riffice, Michele Medhurst, Jeff Fortman, Eric Erickson, Mark Madison, Danae Ehren, Chris Steiner, Eric Steiner, James Steiner, Kevin Steiner, Roger Molski, Marcia Molski and Tony Manos.
Flossmoor businesses helped, too. Drew’s Coffee donated coffee for volunteers, and Dessertitude provided cookies.
More information:
Iron Oaks Environmental Learning Center
Christmas Tree Recyling program
Contact Tom Houlihan at [email protected]