Gulf State Park is collecting Christmas trees to use as protective barriers for area sand dunes. Residents are encouraged to contribute to this environmental effort by donating their live Christmas trees at the Beach Pavilion parking lot through January.

The park's dune restoration program using Christmas trees, running for over three decades, uses the trees to combat coastal erosion. Positioned in front of the dunes, the trees serve as natural barricades, capturing sand and fortifying the dunes. This not only helps to preserve the beach's natural landscape but also enhances its resistance to the elements.

People are encouraged to bring their live trees, free of all decorations and tinsel, to the designated drop-off point at the Gulf State Park Pavilion (see map below). These contributions play a critical role in the ongoing battle against erosion and in the protection of the Gulf Coast's delicate ecosystem. 

Through this unique recycling initiative, Gulf State Park continues its commitment to environmental stewardship, offering a sustainable solution to the disposal of holiday trees while bolstering the natural defense of the region's beaches.