The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Carlyle Lake will be collecting used, real Christmas trees for the annual Christmas Tree Recycling Project. The Corps of Engineers, along with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, uses these trees to provide effective and economical fish habitats at Carlyle Lake.
Christmas trees can be donated through March 1, 2025 at the following locations:
- Plant Land (located on Old Route 50 east of Breese)
- Dam East Boat Ramp
- Little Prairie Nature Trail Parking Lot (located in the West Spillway at Carlyle Lake)
All decorations, including garland and tinsel, must be removed. No artificial trees or wreaths.
Each spring, volunteers from various conservation minded organizations and individuals work together to submerge the recycled trees into the lake as fish shelters. These structures provide crucial breeding grounds, resting areas, and protection for fish, particularly young fish, helping them grow to maturity and improving the fishing experience for anglers.
For more information on this project or to volunteer for the tree placement in the spring, please contact the Carlyle Lake Project Office at (618) 594-2484 or email at carlyle.lake@usace.army.mil
