OBSERVER Photo by Gene Pauszek Even discarded Christmas trees are still useful.

Next weekend will herald in a new month. Christmas reminders in the form of colored lights, city street lights and a few decorations are all that remain of the wonderful holiday.

A couple weeks ago, it was not uncommon to see Christmas trees also placed at the side of the road ready for trash/re-cycle pick-up. If you took a ride by the City of Dunkirk City barns you could find a pile of these trees stacked over 20 feet high. The next week, when I came by there were only a few and a lot of mulch. It brought back a memory of when my children Becky and Steve still were youngsters living at home, and we would cut down our own live tree.

The first year was fun, the second year we didn’t have time and by the third year the wife was tired of watering the tree and vacuuming the dry needles. My Mother-in-law gave us her old artificial tree and old ornaments, and the old ones were like a puzzle with color coded wires that were inserted into the center pole according to length. It took some time to assemble, but I figured we were saving a live tree and contributing in a small way to conservation.

In an article written by Douglas H. Domedion, in the November/December issue of NYSCC Grass Roots News, I got a different opinion. Mr. Domedion explained that the artificial tree became really popular in the 1960’s. They are a great substitute, in areas where the live tree is hard to obtain. However, artificial trees are made of non-biodegradable metals and plastics, which do not break down very well and take up land fill space. The fresh cut trees are renewable, recyclable, and a sustainable resource! Just because a person says no to buying a fresh cut tree, that will not save trees from being cut down.

Christmas trees are grown solely for that purpose. Christmas tree farms help stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and provide wildlife habitat. Years ago it was suggested in various fishing magazines to gather discarded trees, tie them together with nylon rope and haul them out on the ice over your favorite fishing hole. A few cinder blocks were tied to the end of the rope, and when the ice melted you had your own man-made fishing hot spot. Don’t try this on public water, as it is illegal. Christmas trees during their life cycle provide oxygen and remove carbon dioxide, assisting climate change. After the holidays the trees can be chipped for mulch, or used for brush piles for birds and other wildlife. They also can break down on their own over time. The cycle of life.

Another option to consider is buying a live potted tree from a grower and replant it outside in the spring. Provided you have the space and energy for such an undertaking. Whatever option you decide, remember that natural evergreens still make a great choice for the holidays. Conservation is year round. If we don’t take care of our planet, who will?

Calendar: The Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club is looking for people interested in learning “how to tie their own fishing flies.” Several advanced fly-tiers will be on hand to give individual attention to persons who would like to learn this hobby. All materials and equipment are provided free. The learning area is secure and a controlled environment from 6 until 8 p.m. You get to keep what you make. Refreshments are usually provided and always free. No experience necessary, no sign up required. Just show up and have fun.This would be a great opportunity for scout leaders to bring their young charges in for a great learning experience. Call 366-1772 days if you need more information or a contact number.

The Con Club annual Sportsman’s Party will be on Saturday, Feb. 1, starting at 5 p.m. Anyone who was entered in the fishing or hunting contest is invited free. Bring a dish to pass. Prizes will be awarded that same evening.

The Con Club will also be having a fishermans Flea market offering used fishing items at great prices on Sunday, Feb. 9. Open to the public.

Upcoming Gun Shows: Jan. 25-26 at the Conneaut Lake Sportsmens Association, located at 11861 Sportsman Road (off Route 18) in Conneaut Lake, PA, 16316. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 7-8 at the Hickory Post VFW, located at 5550 East State Street (US Route 62, East of PA 18, West of Mercer on 62) Hermitage, PA, 16148. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

March 21-22, 2020 at the Harborcreek Fire Dept. Social Hall, located 7275 Buffalo Road, Harborcreek, PA, 16421 (Located US Route 20 between North East, PA and Harborcreek, PA). Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

April 18-19 at the Ashtabula County Fairgrounds. The show is located at the Ashtabula County Expo Center Building at 127 North Elm Street, Jefferson, OH, 44047. Times are Saturday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

For more information on any of the upcoming shows listed, call Larry Spicer (716) 792-9972.

Children of the Stream will present weekly free fly-tying classes every Tuesday from 7 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. in the Costello Room in the Rockefeller Art Center at the State University of New York Fredonia, starting Aug. 27. Children ages 12 and up, including adults are welcome and encouraged to attend. All tools and material will be provided for free.

Southtowns Walleye Outfitters Fair will be on Feb. 8, 2020 at the club. To sell items, it costs $25 per table. Call 796-5372 or 864-2938. No guns or ammunition.

If your club or organization is holding a hunter safety training/trapping course or a turkey shoot or any other outdoors event, and would like to see it posted in the calendar, send information to the OBSERVER, 10 East Second Street, Dunkirk, NY 14048, or call the sports department at 366-3000 ext. 5 after 6 p.m.

Note: If you have a big game fishing or trapping success story you would like to share, call 366-1772, or 467-2079 and leave a name, phone number and a time you can be reached. You can also call 366-3000, ext. 5, after 6 p.m. or email sports@observertoday.com.