December 10, 2025 – The Primient Veterans Employee Resource Group, the Decatur Park District, and the City of Decatur are teaming up to support local environmental efforts through a community Christmas tree recycling program. From December 26, 2025, through January 16, 2026, residents can drop off natural Christmas trees at the former Paul’s Putting Place site in Nelson Park.
Collected trees will be prepared and placed on the bottom of Lake Decatur, where they will serve as important habitat for smaller fish and help strengthen the lake’s overall ecosystem. The effort provides long-lasting environmental benefits while offering residents a simple way to dispose of their holiday trees responsibly.
Residents are reminded to follow all preparation guidelines before dropping off their trees. All ornaments, tinsel, glitter, lights, wire, and tree stands must be removed, and trees should not be bagged. Only natural trees are accepted; no artificial trees or wreaths will be taken.
