Now that the holiday decor is coming down, Pasco County parks have a simple and eco-friendly suggestion for your Christmas tree: don’t trash it, recycle it. Instead of tossing that tree in the garbage, local officials are inviting residents to bring their bare trees to designated recycling locations where they can be turned into mulch, habitat structures, or other useful materials that benefit parks, trails, and green spaces throughout the county.

It’s easy to take part. Just remove all decorations, lights, tinsel, and stands, and drop your tree off at one of the county’s recycling sites during regular hours. If you prefer curbside collection, check with Pasco County Solid Waste for details on pickup schedules and requirements in your neighborhood. By recycling your tree, you help reduce waste and support sustainable reuse that keeps our parks and public spaces thriving.

This small action makes a big difference for our community and the environment, so before you haul that tree to the trash, think about giving it a second life right here in Pasco County. Let’s start the new year with a greener footprint.

If you’re planning to spend time outdoors in Pasco County in early January, here’s a heads-up to adjust your plans.

The Alston Tract at Upper Hillsborough Preserve will be temporarily closed to the public from January 6 through January 8, 2026, while permitted feral hog hunts take place. During those dates, only authorized hunters will be allowed on the property, and the closure applies to all recreational activities including hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing.

The controlled hunts are part of an ongoing effort to manage the feral hog population, which can cause significant damage to natural habitats by tearing up vegetation, disrupting wetlands, and impacting native wildlife. Officials say managing their numbers is important to protecting the long-term health of local ecosystems and water resources.

If the Alston Tract is one of your regular outdoor spots, you’ll want to plan ahead and visit another preserve or park during the closure. The area is expected to reopen to the public once the hunts are completed, and normal access will resume shortly after.