Old Christmas trees giving new life to endangered species in Whitby [Video]

There are plenty of places that collect used natural Christmas trees and turn them into mulch but the Town of Whitby is taking that initiative a step further by partnering with the local conservation authority to use those trees for erosion control and habitat restoration.

Whitby is partnering with the Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority (CLOCA) to give “new life” to old Christmas trees. Trees collected by the Town are being delivered to CLOCA to help stabilize stream banks, control erosion, collect sediment and provide habitat for endangered species, such as the Red Side Dace, a “small but vital” fish found in the region.

The town released a video, narrated by Waste Services Coordinator Sean Mensour, explaining the process and the benefits in participating in the program, which is funded by the federal Fisheries and Oceans department.

Every January Whitby collects the trees and process them as part of the …