Your holiday tree can help the preserves thrive.

Residents can give their real holiday trees a second life by recycling them at select forest preserves this winter. Undecorated trees will be turned into wood chips used for trails and landscaping, supporting healthy preserves and reducing waste.

Trees can be dropped off at eight marked sites across Lake County, open daily from 6:30 am to sunset through February 1, 2026. Yard waste and commercial drop-offs are not accepted.

• Grant Woods in Ingleside
• Greenbelt in North Chicago
• Half Day in Vernon Hills
• Heron Creek in Long Grove
• Lakewood in Wauconda 
• Old School in Mettawa
• Ryerson Conservation Area in Riverwoods
• Van Patten Woods in Wadsworth

Facts

• The Lake County Forest Preserves has been accepting trees for recycling for about 30 years.
• Most years more than 1,000 trees are donated.
• The majority of the trees are mulched for use on trails.

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