The province is making the holiday season brighter and greener, and promoting Nova Scotia Christmas trees at the same time.
As part of an annual tradition, the Lunenburg County Christmas Tree Producers’ Association presented trees to Lt.
-Gov. J.J. Grant, Premier Stephen McNeil, Natural Resources Minister Zach Churchill and Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell today, Dec. 4.
At a ceremony at Province House, Lt.-Gov. Grant donated his tree to Camp Hill Veterans Hospital, and Premier McNeil donated his to the Home of the Guardian Angel–Chebucto Family Centre. Mr. Churchill donated his tree to Metro Turning Point Centre, a shelter for homeless men, and Mr. Colwell donated his to Margaret’s House, Dartmouth, which provides meals to underprivileged adults.
“Nova Scotia Christmas trees are enjoyed around the world so it’s only natural that we want to share that experience with people here at home,” said Mr. Churchill.
Tree growers Murray Crouse of Fauxburg, Jeff Reeves of Forties, Anzil Blackadar of New Canada and Jack Wentzell of Parkdale donated the trees this year.
“Our families are so excited for the arrival of the tree this year,” said Tammy Turple, executive director, Home of the Guardian Angel-Chebucto Family Centre. “It will certainly brighten our centre and add to the holiday cheer in our community.”
While some may think artificial trees are convenient, real trees have many benefits.
Real trees are biodegradable, nearly carbon neutral and recyclable. After the holidays, they can be composted or used as bird feeders, potpourri ingredients, or winter garden cover.
There are 2,500 Christmas tree growers in Nova Scotia and another 3,000 people employed indirectly. The industry generates about $30 million for the economy, annually and exports close to two million trees annually, making the province the second largest exporter of Christmas trees in Canada.
More than 75 per cent of Nova Scotia’s Christmas trees are exported to the United States and about 10 per cent are shipped overseas. The Balsam Fir is Nova Scotia’s most popular Christmas tree, at 98 per cent of the provincial harvest. White pine, Scots pine, red pine, Fraser fir, Korean fir, and spruces are also harvested.
Tips about real tree selection and care, and where to buy a Nova Scotia Christmas tree are at http://novascotia.ca/natr/christmastrees/.
Source: Release
