As the festive season winds down, the Urban Growers Collective in Chicago has embraced a unique and environmentally friendly way to recycle Christmas trees. Located on the South Side, this urban farm is inviting residents to donate their discarded trees, which will serve as a special treat for its Nigerian Pygmy goats.
Community and volunteer coordinator, Keani Staton, emphasized the goats’ enthusiasm for this holiday tradition. “These girls have the hugest appetite you will ever see. They never stop being hungry,” she remarked. For these goats, the trees are more than just food; they represent a festive feast following the holiday season. “After the holidays, their normal diet of hay is just an appetizer to the main course of pine trees,” Staton explained.
For the past three years, the Urban Growers Collective has accepted donated Christmas trees, ensuring they are free of ornaments, tinsel, and other decorations. “The goats prefer their trees plain,” Staton noted, adding that when the trees are stripped of any extra materials, the goats devour them with gusto. “I’ve seen them take down a tree in, like, 10 minutes.”
The initiative not only benefits the goats but also contributes to sustainable farming practices. Leftover tree remnants are composted and used for wood chipping, creating a cycle of recycling that supports the farm’s ecosystem. “So, it’s a win-win all around for everybody,” Staton stated.
The Urban Growers Collective will continue accepting Christmas trees this weekend and on January 3, 2024. Residents are encouraged to drop off their trees and can even meet the goats during the process. Staton expressed excitement for this annual event, noting that it brings the community together while providing a unique experience for both humans and animals.
As the holiday decorations come down, the goats at the Urban Growers Collective look forward to their special holiday meal, ensuring that the spirit of the season continues in a sustainable and delightful way.
