Curious where your Christmas tree comes from? Wonder if it is environmentally friendly? Join WNCA as we tour an organic Christmas tree farm near Roan Mountain, NC.
Did you know that North Carolina is the second largest producer of Christmas trees in the nation? (Oregon is first.) Ever thought of a harvested tree as being organic? Of course, it’s a tree, right? Well, Christmas trees are another story. They’re a cash crop just like corn and most farmers use loads of synthetic chemicals like pesticides, fertilizers and herbicides in order to create ‘the perfect tree.’ It’s been estimated that more than a couple million pounds of these chemicals are applied each year in this state alone. Some of this ends up washing down into our streams that we drink from, play in, and enjoy eating fish from.
Curtis Buchanan of Glen Ayre Tree Farm, near Roan Mountain, has been
farming Christmas trees for 30 years. 15 years ago he decided to stop
using chemicals and now relies on Mother Nature to take care of the pest
problems that may arise. For example, he uses predatory insects to
control bug populations instead of pesticides. As a certified organic
tree farm, he is a steward of the land and a model for sustainable
production.
We’ll be visiting Curtis on his farm Saturday the 20th of
November to learn more about tree farming, his growing methods, why an
organic tree is more environmentally friendly than an artificial
aluminum tree, and so much more!
Contact Lori Wilkins, at
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or phone (828) 258-8737 for more information and to register.
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