There are plenty of uses for your Christmas Tree well after the holiday season is wrapped up. You can extend your tree’s life by donating it for Fish Habitat Improvement Day through Lake Shelbyville, the US Army Corps of Engineers, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.  Discarded trees will be placed into Lake Shelbyville in order to enhance the fisheries. Donated Christmas Trees will be bundled together in small groups and submerged in the lake at select locations.  Fish will be able to use those locations for breeding areas and escape cover. New trees are added every year. 

Trees will be collected in both Shelbyville and Sullivan.  In Sullivan, trees can be taken to the Sullivan 66 Gas Station, located south of Sullivan on Route 32.  Trees can be dropped off inside the fenced area on the north side of the building.  In Shelbyville, the collection site is at Johnstowne Mall on the west side of Shelbyville.  Place trees inside the fenced area on the grass at the northwest corner of the parking area. 

Trees will be collected at both sites through February 20th, 2023. Remove the stand, tinsel, and any ornaments before dropping your tree off. Remove any plastic bags on your tree and, the US Army Corps of Engineers asks that you do not leave any other kind of tree trimmings, wreaths, flowers, or yard waste at those sites.  For more information, please contact Cory Donnel at 774-3951.