Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Coast residents are once again being encouraged to support coastal dune restoration by recycling their live Christmas trees. For over 30 years, this environmental initiative has played a vital role in strengthening the dunes that protect the coastal ecosystem, provide wildlife habitats, and shield the community from storms.

How to Participate

Residents can drop off their live, undecorated trees at the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion (22250 E Beach Blvd) from now through the end of January. The designated drop-off point is located at the east end of the parking lot, adjacent to the dumpster area. Please do not place trees in front of the Dumpsters.

Orange Beach Residents can dispose of live Christmas trees for recycling by placing trees, completely stripped of decorations and tinsel, on their curbs for pickup by Public Works on Friday, January 2nd.

For those living in Gulf Shores, the city offers curbside pickup from December 29 through January 16. To participate, place your tree on the curb in a pile separate from other debris. 

Preparation Requirements

To be eligible for the program, all trees must be completely "naked." Residents must remove all:

• Ornaments and decorations
• Tinsel
• Flocking (flocked trees are ineligible due to their artificial coating)

The Restoration Process

Beginning in February, park staff, local students from Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, and @dunedoctors will begin placing the trees at the base of the dunes. The trees are arranged in "U" shaped groups of three to capture wind-driven sand. Over time, this sand accumulates, creating new areas for dune growth. To complete the restoration, volunteers and staff return in the spring to plant thousands of native dune plants around the trees, further stabilizing the natural habitat.