SARASOTA, Fla. -- Your Christmas tree doesn’t have to go in the trash after the holidays. If it's still green it can actually be used to help rescued farm animals.
If you’re ready to get rid of your Christmas tree, there’s a place that’s more than happy to take it.
"They love it," said Cathy Rosebrock, museum educator.
Christmas trees that are still green, untreated and cleared of all decorations can be used as food for the rescued and adopted goats and cows at the Crowley Museum and Nature Center in Sarasota.
"It is a special treat," said Rosebrock.
The farm says the needles are good for the animals.
"They have a natural Vitamin C in them and they also work as a natural de-wormer, so we do give it to them in controlled amounts," said Rosebrock.
The Crowley Museum is a nonprofit historic farm and nature center that uses every part of the tree even the wood, just like the pioneers did.
"We take the trunks and cut those up for firewood and use it for cooking on the campfire so we waste nothing here," said Rosebrock.
Something that brought families so much joy this Christmas can continue to bring joy to animals.
"It's a friendly and environmental way to get rid of your Christmas tree," said Rosebrock.
They are only accepting trees that are untreated and still green.
You can bring your tree to the Crowley Museum and Nature Center 16405 Myakka Rd, Sarasota, FL 34240 during their business hours of Thursday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. or call them at (941) 322-1000.
For information on the Crowley Museum and Nature Center visit: crowleyfl.org.
