For the sixth consecutive year, the Philly Goat Project will be putting together its “Christmas Tree-Cycle,” writes Cory Sharber for WHYY.

The “Christmas Tree-Cycle” turns used live Christmas trees into snacks for goats, and wood chips to cover trails in parks and community gardens throughout Philadelphia. 

“Most people don’t get to see where their recycling goes,” said Karen Krivit, executive director of the annual Tree-Cycle. 

She highlights that the Tree-Cycle is more than just a recycling event, but also a “festival of participatory sustainability.”

Organizers said the festivals this year will span three days rather than the usual two days. 

On Saturday, January 6 and January 13, people will be able to bring their used trees to Awbury Arboretum from noon to 3 PM, and the Laurel Hill West Cemetery from noon to 2 PM, respectively. 

“Over six years, we’ve gone from 200 to 2,000 trees [each year] and we probably will get even more this year,” Leslie Jackson said. “We’re ready for that many trees.”

A $20 donation is requested for each tree, and proceeds will benefit literacy events in Philadelphia schools, environmental education, youth job training, a new grief garden, and Philly Goat Project’s year-round programming.

Read more about the Philly Goat Project in WHYY.

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Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on PHILADELPHIA Today in December 2023.