Ever wonder how they get that big Christmas tree in the Capitol Rotunda every year?

Now through a special Video Blog presentation you’ll learn how! Just click on Decorating the State Capitol and you’ll find out!

Just for the record, Pennsylvania ranks first in the nation in the number of Christmas tree farms and ranks fourth in the nation in the number of Christmas trees cut each year and acres of production.

Pennsylvania has 2,164 farms covering 44,905 acres that produce 1.7 million cut trees each year. These farms have more than $13.9 million in sales annually.

The Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers’ Association donated the 22-foot tall Douglas Fir. The tree is decorated with 7,000 white mini-lights and includes nearly 500 ornaments supplied by 64 senior centers across Pennsylvania.

And don’t forget, you can recycle your real Christmas tree at many locations around the state. On January 13 you can take your tree to Construction Junction in Pittsburgh and have it turned into mulch! (See separate story.)

“Improve Your Habitat” Calendar Available!

And again this year we are offering a free 2007 “Improve Your Habitat” calendar to download. (For best results print on photo paper.)

From all of us here at PA Environment Digest – Happy Holidays!

              -- David Hess, Editor

Session Schedule

The Senate and House will return for the new session on January 2 for swearing-in ceremonies, but will not do actual work until January 16 for the Senate and January 22 for the House.

PA Environment Digest Video Blog

· Visit the John James Audubon Center at Mill Grove, Audubon, PA

See & Hear

· EPA's Watershed Academy Sponsors Land Use/Water Resource Protection Webcast

On the Hill

· 2006 Legislative Accomplishments on Environmental Issues

· Sen. Mary Jo White Outlines Environmental Priorities for 2007 Session

· Mid-Year Budget Review - Slowing Economy Hurts Revenue, Big Bills Ahead

· Casey Highlights Environmental Accomplishments as State Treasurer

· Joint Committee Makes Recommendations on Kilbuck Township Landslide

· December Environmental Synopsis Newsletter Now Online

Other News

· Legislation Approved to Create Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Trail

· National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announces Delaware Estuary Grants

· Five-Star Restoration Matching Grant Applications Due March 9

· USDA Announces Sign-Up for 2007 State Conservation Innovation Grants

· DEP Inviting Comments on 5 TMDL Plans 4 Counties

· Environment-Friendly Driving Surface Aggregate OK’d By PennDOT

· EPA Sharpens Focus on Ecological Benefits of Regulations

· New Proposed EPA Rule May Increase Water Quality Permit Fees In PA

· Parks & Forest Foundation Award Nominations Due January 25

· Recent EHB Ruling Makes Some DEP Letters Appealable Actions

· Great Green America Fest Set for July 13-15 in Mount Hope

· PUC Report Shows 16,051 Homes Without Heat Services, Fewer Than Last Year

· Penn State to Get 20+ Percent of Electric Through Renewable Sources

· PUC Says Electric Distribution Companies Own Alternative Energy Credits

· Agriculture Department Warns About Emerald Ash Borer

· Intern Wanted: Bowman’s Hill Preserve Offers Summer Internship

Feature

· Citizen Scientists Join In Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count

Go To: PA Environment Digest Calendar Page

12/22/2006