Want to Fun Way to Get Rid of Your Christmas Tree? Feed it to a Goat at the Philly Goat Project’s Tree Cycling Festival
For the last six years the Philly Goat Project has found the most unique way to help folks get rid of their Christmas trees, feed the trees to goats. That’s right, the Philly Goat Project’s annual Christmas Tree-Cycle is returning bigger and better than ever before with three festivals instead of the normal two.
The first two Christmas Tree-Cycle festivals will take place at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum on Saturday, January 6th (rain date January 7th) and Saturday, January 13th (rain date January 14th) from 12pm-3pm. A third bonus Christmas Tree-Cycle will take place on Saturday, January 20th (rain date January 21st) at Laurel Hill West Cemetery from 12pm-2pm.
These events are family-friendly farm festivals and fundraisers in support of the nonprofit. There is a $20 donation requested per Christmas tree. These donations support Philly Goat Project’s free year-round programming including community goat walks, children’s literacy events in libraries & schools, environmental education events in city parks, youth job training program, the monthly All Abilities RAMble (inclusive animal-assisted therapy program for the special needs community), and new this year, a bereavement garden & grief garden open to the community coming soon.
Beyond the Christmas tree drop, activities during the farm festivals will include exploring the farm, a roaring fire pit with free s’mores, free hot cocoa, farm Olympics games for kids (only at Awbury festivals), and a petting area with the goats. You can join the fun even if you don’t have a tree! Just park and walk into the farm using the Washington Lane entrance (look for the ambassadors to guide you). A “Quiet Visiting Area” will also be available for special needs friends.
Donated Christmas trees will become snacks for the goats and/or turned into wood chips used to cover trails in city parks and community gardens throughout Philadelphia thanks to a partnership with the Philadelphia Streets Department.
The $20 donation can be paid in Cash, Venmo, CashApp, or PayPal. Philly Goat Project can provide tax receipts for those who need them.
There are three options available for Christmas Tree-Cycle at The Farm at Awbury Arboretum on January 6th and 13th:
1. Express curbside drop-off-and-donate (6336 Ardleigh St entrance)
2. “G.O.A.T. Safari” drive through the farm to drop off (6336 Ardleigh St entrance)
3. Park on Washington Lane and bring your tree in yourself (Washington Lane entrance – look for the ambassadors to guide you)
Swag will be available for purchase at the event including Philly Goat Project’s signature 2024 calendar shot by Miguel Martinez which features the goats at landmarks around Philadelphia, including the Subaru Park where the Philadelphia Union play, Franklin Square, Miracle on 13th Street, the heart at The Franklin Institute, and more. Calendars are $15 each and proceeds support Philly Goat Project.
Decorations should be removed from trees before donating them. Christmas trees should be pesticide free. Wreaths are not accepted.
No reservations needed.
