Members of Candlewood Valley Trout Unlimited (CVTU) and Pootatuck Watershed Association (PWA) are asking local residents to consider “ecocyling” Christmas trees this year.

On Saturday, January 8, from 9 am until noon, volunteers from each group will be at the Deep Brook kiosk, collecting Christmas trees. The kiosk is at the end of Old Farm Road, beyond Newtown Park & Bark.

Suggested donation is $10. Synthetic/artificial trees and trees with tinsel or flocking cannot be accepted.

The trees will be turned into an important habitat for wild trout in Deep Brook. Donated trees will join others in helping stabilize stream banks, reduce erosion, and create a refuge habitat for juvenile trout and other aquatic life. A healthy trout environment means a healthy aquifer system.

Additional information is available at CVTU.org and pootatuckwatershed.org.