Rend Lake is offering live Christmas tree drop-off locations to help replenish fish habitats at Rend Lake and in Mt. Vernon. Trees can be dropped off at Rend Lake until January 12, 2025, at the following sites:
Sugar Creek Parking Lot: Located at the intersection of Licata and Mine 24 roads.
Dam West Boat Ramp: Situated on the west side of the Rend Lake Dam.
In Mt. Vernon, trees can be donated until January 10, 2025, at these locations:
Veteran’s Park Softball Field: 800 South 27th Street
Optimist Park: 903 Pace Avenue
Please note that artificial or flocked trees will not be accepted. In March, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, along with Illinois Department of Natural Resources fisheries biologists and volunteers, will bundle and place the weighted trees into Rend Lake.
Additionally, the Clay County Health Department will hold its 17th Annual Christmas Tree Collection. Trees can be dropped off at the west end of the Clay County Health Department until Monday, January 6th, by the designated sign and orange fencing. Donated trees will be sent to Stephen A. Forbes State Park to provide cover and nutrients for fish.
Before dropping off your tree, remember to remove all ornaments, decorations, and tinsel, as these items are not biodegradable and can harm wildlife. A good rule of thumb is to bring your tree to the drop-off location in the same condition you would find it in a natural forest.
For questions or more information, please contact the Clay County Health Department at 618-662-4406.
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