CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Following their Christmas tree pickups in Muncy and Hughesville, members of the Muncy Lions Club bale the firs and pines before transferring them  for use as protection for wildlife.  

MUNCY – What do you do when your ‘sheared delight’ holiday pine or fir branches are no longer lovely? Do you ask, “Oh Christmas tree, Oh Christmas tree, whatever shall I do with thee?” If so, the Muncy Lions Club offers solutions

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President Bill Kahler said, “Pickups provide not just two, but three win – win – win situations. First, the trees are hauled away, the nominal donation aids the Lions in funding local projects, and as they decompose, trees become a natural habitat.”

Examples put to rhyme indicating protection for wildlife are: “Hiding the hare from the hawk, the pheasant from the roving fox. Neath, it too the field mouse hovers, her whereabouts undiscovered. So, you see this could be, another purpose for your tree.”

January 7 and 14, are the two consecutive Saturdays scheduled for pickup in both Hughesville and Muncy. “The club has offered this curbside service for more than 20 years,” Kahler said

Volunteer Jim Craddock related a second and new plan this season. “Should you opt to drop off your tree at Lion’s Park near the Muncy Pool, we will have a donation box on site emptied each night. We ask folks to donate three dollars which the Lions put back into several community projects. At homes, residents have been putting three dollars in an envelope attaching it to the branches, or taping it to the door.” Craddock said

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After pickup, trees are taken to the lot and re-baled using a baler and biodegradable twine donated by Brown’s Tree Service. “Baling compacts the tree to provide better wildlife cover,” Kahler said.

Another team takes over when the trees arrive at State Game Land grounds north of Allenwood. It is there Jersey Shore High School students, members of the Outdoor Club, drag and place trees for cover.

Wanting to clear up misconceptions, the Lions learned they are sometimes mistaken for borough workers thinking their town has free removal for trees.

Also, announced by Kahler and Craddock, “Anyone wishing to join the Lions Club are welcome.” Meetings are held monthly, the 2nd and 4th Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at Orlando’s Restaurant in Muncy,

As an addendum, more unlisted benefits occur when purchasing a ‘real’ locally grown Christmas tree. Sales add to the area’s economy and when tree farmers place advertisements in The Shopper and Luminary, the revenue is used to bring local news to you.