GEORGETOWN — For those dreading cleaning up after the holidays, a local farm is making it easier by accepting Christmas trees that will be used for goat enrichment.
Eight years ago, Great Rock Farm decided to accept Christmas trees for disposal after the holidays.
The farm does not dispose of trees in the traditional way, however, but rather by offering the evergreens to its goats and other farm animals for food, making it a popular option for nearby families.
“We decided we were going to open up the farm and see how many people wanted to drop off their Christmas trees and it became a big thing,” said co-owner Michelle Aulson. “People have been coming every single year.”
Aulson said due to the fact that disposing of a Christmas tree can often pose a challenge, people often come back to Great Rock Farm year after year.
“There’s really not many ways of doing it. I think that’s a hard thing for people and this opportunity, people have been making it an annual tradition,” she said.
Those donating their tree can stop by the farm on Jan. 10 to sit around fire pits and enjoy live music while farm animals enjoy their former holiday decor. The Christmas tree drop-off event will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with reservation time slots required to participate.
“This is a fun way of children and families coming out and having another post-holiday fun time with their tree,” Aulson said.
While the Christmas tree drop-off day serves as a convenient and fun post-holiday tradition for humans, Aulson said the farm animals also benefit and use the trees for months after drop-off day.
“What it does for the animal is it gives them something to nibble on, something to play on a little bit different than their boring hay that’s in the winter. Because goats are browsers and they really like to go out and eat and pick at vegetation,” she said.
Tree disposal at Great Rock Farm also benefits the community. The recommended $20 donation for tree disposal will go to the MSCPA.
Aulson said the farm recently adopted six alpacas from the MSPCA and wanted to recognize the organization’s work for animals throughout the state.
“Supporting the MSPCA is our way of giving back to the organization that helped grow our farm family,” she said.
Erika Tonnon, placement coordinator at MSPCA’s Nevins Farm, said the organization is thankful for the farm’s decision to donate fundraising proceeds to the MSPCA.
“It’s so wonderful to see our alpacas thriving at Great Rock Farm with an incredible family. We’re grateful that they were able to give those animals in need a loving home and also for this generous fundraiser, which will help us find the same happy ending for many other animals in 2026,” she said.
To learn more about the event, those interested can visit Great Rock Farm’s website: https://goatstogo.farm/