Philly Goat Project: Watch your Christmas trees become goat snacks

The holidays have come and gone, and so has the need for some of those seasonal and festive decorations—and the Philly Goat Project can help with that—with your Christmas trees specifically.

On Jan. 7 (with a rain date on Jan. 8) and later this month (Jan. 21 with a rain date on Jan. 22), Philadelphians can bring their whole family to the Fifth Annual Christmas Tree-Cycle from noon to 3 p.m.

What this kooky and cute event brings is the chance to get rid of those Christmas trees in an environmentally friendly, unique and beneficial way for the whole community.

At this event, the trees 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 and the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department, a release states.

These events also act as a fundraiser for the Philly Goat Project’s nonprofit, and a $20 donation along with the tree will directly support PGP’s many events throughout the year that span community goat walks, children’s literacy events, youth job training, environmental education and much more.

Support for the PGP also means supporting All Abilities RAMble, the group’s inclusive animal-assisted therapy program for the special needs community.

In total, there are three options for the Tree-Cycle events: Express curbside drop-off-and-donate (6336 Ardleigh Street entrance), the “G.O.A.T. Safari” drive through the farm to drop off (6336 Ardleigh Street entrance), or you can park on Washington Lane and bring your tree in yourself (look for the ambassadors to guide you).

Philly Goat Project makes the event worth staying for however, with a fire pit onsite with free s’mores, free hot cocoa, and a petting area with the goats. Note, you don’t have to bring a tree to partake in the activities either, and additionally, a “Quiet Visiting Area” will also be available for special needs friends.

Swag will be available for purchase at the event including PGP’s famous 2023 calendar which features the goats at landmarks around Philadelphia including the Phillies stadium, Academy of Music stage, Reading Terminal Market and more. Calendars are $15 each and proceeds also go to support the nonprofit.

A few more notes about tree donations: PGP asks that you please remove all decorations from your tree before donating it, and Christmas trees should be pesticide free. Wreaths are not accepted.

This event takes place at the Farm at Awbury Arboretum located at 6336 Ardleigh Street, and more information can be found online at phillygoatproject.org