Home / Environment / RI Turns Holiday Trees into River Rescues
RI Turns Holiday Trees into River Rescues
23 Oct
Summary
- Over 600 Christmas trees were collected to restore riverbanks.
- Trees create underwater habitat for wild trout and aquatic life.
- The program prevents landfill waste and aids stream restoration.
In a remarkable conservation effort, Rhode Island volunteers collected over 600 Christmas trees in early 2026 to support riverbank restoration and wild trout habitats. This initiative, dubbed "Trees for Trout," is a collaboration between the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) Division of Fish and Wildlife and Trout Unlimited.
The collected evergreen trees are being strategically placed along damaged streams within the Wood River watershed. This practice, known as building "conifer revetments," helps combat soil erosion exacerbated by recent extreme weather and flooding. The submerged trees act as natural barriers, slowing water flow and trapping sediment to rebuild riverbanks.
These repurposed trees offer critical shelter for young wild brook trout and other aquatic organisms, protecting them from predators and helping maintain the cool water temperatures vital for their survival. Donated trees must be free of ornaments and tinsel to prevent pollution of freshwater habitats.
The "Trees for Trout" program highlights the power of community involvement, with local groups and anglers participating in collection and installation events. This program not only diverts substantial organic waste from landfills but also provides a cost-effective method for stream restoration, supporting Rhode Island's freshwater fishing economy.
