The U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will make a stop at Michigan State University Nov. 14 on its way to Washington, D.C. It will be on display for visitors and hosted by the MSU Department of Forestry and the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
MSU will host two events Nov. 14 at the MSU Auditorium to mark the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree’s visit:
- 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., an opportunity for local school children to see the tree.
- 4-7 p.m., a public event.
Both events are free of charge.
In addition to viewing the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, visitors can take advantage of numerous other activities centered on forests, natural Christmas trees, the outdoors and the holiday season. MSU forestry students will lead elementary students through planting tree seedlings to take home with them as a memento of their visit.
“Having a tree at the center of this event calls attention to the importance of forests and trees to both the quality of the environment and the economy,” said Rich Kobe, chair of the MSU Department of Forestry. “Forests provide clean water and air and at the same time contribute more than $14 billion to Michigan’s economy through wood products.”
The U.S. Forest Service, in partnership with Choose Outdoors and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, will take this gift from Minnesota to Washington, D.C., for the 2014 season, involving nearly 30 communities along the way.
The tree will be cut during a public ceremony Oct. 29 from the Chippewa National Forest in Cass Lake, Minnesota, and will be moved to Bemidji State University, where it will be prepared for the nearly 2,000-mile cross-country expedition. The tree is an 80-foot-plus white spruce.
“We are honored that the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree will visit East Lansing on its way to Washington, D.C.,” said Fred Poston, dean of the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at MSU. “We are looking forward to the opportunity it brings to highlight our forestry department and the important work that our students and faculty do there all year long.”
Seventy companion trees will be provided by the Minnesota Tree Growers Association to decorate the inside of the U.S. Capitol and other sites throughout Washington, D.C., along with 10,000 ornaments created by children and others from Minnesota communities.
Costs associated with the tree’s transportation and special events are covered by contributions by individuals, corporations and local communities, including major supporters Lifetouch and Kenworth Truck Company.
For news, updates, and tour information and to track the tree cross-country, visit www.capitolchristmastree.com, along with Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.