In 1970, the U.S Capitol Architect asked the U.S. Forest Service to provide a Christmas tree for the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol. Since then a different National Forest has been chosen each year to provide “The Peoples Tree.” This National Forest also works with state forests to provide smaller companion Christmas trees for offices in Washington, D.C. In its 50th year of the tradition the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forests in Colorado provided the 2020 tree.

• Learn about the history of the Capitol Christmas Tree and national forests which have helped over the last 50 years.
• Learn about the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison (GMUG) National Forest that are provided the 50th tree, and read about one youth’s experience hiking in the Uncompahgre Wilderness.
• Learn five things you might not know about the Capitol Christmas Tree
• Learn how the U.S. Capitol Architect participates in the event.
• Watch a video explaining the Capitol Christmas Tree

• Print and color these themed coloring book pages

The Capitol Christmas Tree is an example of a forest product. There are thousands of different forest products. Harvesting our National Forests in a sustainable way helps ensure we can have forest products now and for future generations.

• Learn more about forest products from national forests
• Explore the Bioenergy Natural Inquirer to learn about another type of forest products.
• Participate in a Project Learning Tree activity to learn about forest products. While young trees are growing, they also provide many benefits.

While young trees are growing, they also provide many benefits.

• Watch a video about the ecosystem services provided by trees.

• Participate in a Project Learning Tree activity to learn some of the multiple benefits trees provide while growing.

Sustainable forest management is important. Harvesting trees, such as Christmas trees, is part of sustainable management. Thinning a forest and prescribed burns are also a part of keeping a forest healthy and sustainable management.

• Read a children’s book called Why Would Anyone Cut a Tree Down?
• Learn more about the importance of thinning a forest from the Arbor Day Foundation.
• Play an online simulation for students to pretend to be trees as they compete for resources from Project Learning Tree.

You can help us with sustainable forest management in some places, by getting a permit to help thin the forest by harvesting your own Christmas tree.

• See if National Forests near you offer Christmas tree permits at recreation.gov
• 4th and 5th Graders can get a free permit to harvest a Christmas tree with their Every Kid Outdoors Pass or voucher.
• Watch a video for tips for selecting your Christmas tree from a National Forest.

• Reuse and recycle your Christmas tree.