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01/01/2018 11:00 PMThe holidays are over and it’s time to start thinking about taking down the decorations. Luckily for Guilford residents, there continues to be an easy, local way to dispose of your Christmas tree.
Boy Scout Troop 471 is holding its annual tree recycling program again this year. The event, which has been going on for nearly three decades, serves as the primary fundraiser for the troop, according to parent Annie Uzzo.
“The funds from the fundraiser will help support a wide variety of activities that provide adventure and fun while giving scouts opportunities to develop leadership and practical skills,” she said. “Many of the monthly trips are activity-focused (canoeing, kayaking, hiking, backpacking, skiing, whitewater rafting, rock climbing, fishing, bicycling, etc.) while others are destination-focused (military academies, historical sites, national parks, etc.).”
According to Uzzo, the troop conducts a number of community service activities throughout the year and recently helped Roses for Autism relocate a number of plants. The end product of the recycled trees also goes back to the community.
“Trees will be chipped by Family Tree Experts and used as fuel at a local greenhouse,” she said. “The wood chips last year were used in the Guilford Dog Park.”
Last year Uzzo said the scouts picked up 125 trees (not counting those that were dropped off) and raised more than $3,600.
Troop 471 accepts Christmas trees either by drop off on the specific dates or by a scheduled pickup. Drop off dates are Saturdays, Jan. 6 and 13. On these dates, the scouts of Troop 471 will be present at the Guilford Transfer Station, Dudley Farm, and Pinchbecks to accept trees. The times for drop off are 9 a.m. to 2 pm. The suggested donation to the troop is $8. For pickup service, call 203-453-5386 to schedule a time. Pickups last through the end of January. Suggested donation for a pick up is $20.