The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s festive tree harvest event returns to Red Deer
Red Deer, AB (December 5, 2025) – Give back to nature and bring home an affordable holiday tree by joining a festive conservation initiative near Pine Lake, east of Red Deer.
On December 13, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) invites volunteers to its Haynes property for “Spruce up the holidays,” a hands-on holiday tree cutting event to support ecological restoration. Participants will help remove non-native Colorado blue spruce trees from a former tree lot — an important step in encouraging native species to return to the site.
Volunteers will identify, tag and carefully harvest selected spruce trees, which they can take home to enjoy as Christmas trees by suggested donation. It’s a …
The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s festive tree harvest event returns to Red Deer
Red Deer, AB (December 5, 2025) – Give back to nature and bring home an affordable holiday tree by joining a festive conservation initiative near Pine Lake, east of Red Deer.
On December 13, the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) invites volunteers to its Haynes property for “Spruce up the holidays,” a hands-on holiday tree cutting event to support ecological restoration. Participants will help remove non-native Colorado blue spruce trees from a former tree lot — an important step in encouraging native species to return to the site.
Volunteers will identify, tag and carefully harvest selected spruce trees, which they can take home to enjoy as Christmas trees by suggested donation. It’s a meaningful way to support conservation while embracing the spirit of the holidays.
This initiative is part of NCC’s long-standing conservation and stewardship efforts in the Red Deer River region, where more than 5,000 hectares have been protected over the past decade. The area’s parkland ecosystem is a priority for protection. While cutting down a tree to help the forest may seem counterproductive, by removing non-native blue spruce from Alberta’s landscapes, we’re restoring habitat for native plant species and wildlife and strengthening the landscape’s resilience.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make your holidays even more special by giving a gift to nature and bringing home a beautiful Christmas tree. To register for the event or for more information, please visit this link.
Event details Date: December 13, 2025 Time: 10 a.m.–2 p.m.; multiple time slots available for registering Location: NCC Haynes property, near Pine Lake, east of Red Deer What to bring: Participants are encouraged to bring a refillable water bottle, warm layers of clothing (hat, scarf, jacket, mittens or gloves, snow pants), insulated boots, sunglasses, straps, ropes or tie-downs to secure your tree to your vehicle and a sled to haul your tree to your vehicle (optional).
Please note that while the blue spruce trees are available for pickup by suggested donation, participants are responsible for transporting their selected tree.
Quotes
“This event is about bringing people together, for nature and for the holidays. It’s a chance to connect with the land, meet others who care about conservation and take part in a festive tradition that gives back to the environment. There’s something special about choosing your own tree while knowing you’re helping restore a beautiful part of Alberta.” – Keltie Manolakas, Director, Supporter Engagement, Nature Conservancy of Canada
About
Since 1962, the Nature Conservancy of Canada has brought people together to protect the lands and waters that sustain us all. As an environmental charity working hand in hand with communities, Indigenous Nations, governments and businesses, we deliver nature-based solutions at a scale no one else can. Our conservation work safeguards clean air and water, stores carbon and reduces the risks of floods and wildfires — protecting our health, strengthening local economies and building more resilient communities. Together, we unlock nature’s power, so life can thrive. Learn more at natureconservancy.ca.
Contact Melissa Morris Assistant, Development & Communications Nature Conservancy of Canada, Alberta Region C: 587.876.4233 melissa.morris@natureconservancy.ca