Abbie Dalton is one of the newer interns at the Orange Beach Wildlife Center. She is a Wisconsin native with a bachelor’s degree in zoology and environmental studies. She is working on a project that will help get new interns adjusted.

Orange Beach Wildlife Center

Are you dreading taking down your Christmas tree because you are not sure where to dispose of it? Give your Christmas tree a new purpose this year. There are several ways to recycle your tree in both Orange Beach and Gulf Shores.

Gulf State Park

For over a decade, Gulf State Park has used live Christmas trees as part of the dune restoration program. Each year live trees are collected and placed in the dunes by volunteers. The trees will collect sand carried by the wind. Once enough has accumulated, native dune plants are planted around the trees. This practice helps to expand and strengthen the dune system which acts as a natural storm surge barrier.

Gulf State Park has established a tree drop off area at the Beach Pavilion. Trees can be placed at the southeast side of the parking lot beside the dumpster. Please do not place trees in front of the dumpster. The Beach Pavilion is open from dawn to dusk. All trees must be free of decorations and artificial material before being dropped off and flocked trees will not be accepted. Trees will only be accepted from Baldwin County residents.

Orange Beach Wildlife Center

The Orange Beach Wildlife Center is accepting live trees for their animals to enjoy. If you would like to donate your tree to the Wildlife Center, it must be free of decorations and artificial material. No flocked trees will be accepted. The Orange Beach Wildlife Center is located behind the community garden off Walker Lane.

Curbside pickup

The City of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach offer curbside pickup of live and undecorated Christmas trees. Flocked trees will not be accepted. Public works collects the trees for recycling.