Monongahela National Forest Makes History Providing Two Christmas Trees to the Nation

ELKINS, W.Va., November 15, 2023 -- This year Monongahela National Forest has the honor of providing Christmas trees to two iconic federal buildings in Washington, D.C. – the U.S. Capitol and the White House.

A 40-foot Norway spruce was delivered to the White House Tuesday, Nov. 14 to serve as the 2023 National Christmas Tree in collaboration with the National Park Service. This is the first time the USDA Forest Service and National Park Service have partnered to provide the National Christmas Tree at the White House. The Norway spruce was harvested from the Cheat-Potomac Ranger District in Parsons, West Va., Nov. 13.

The tree is located on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park and can be viewed by the public beginning December 2. The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place November 30 in President’s Park in Washington, D.C. Tickets are required. Learn more at the National Park Service’s website.

Monongahela National Forest will also deliver the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, a 63-foot Norway spruce, to the U.S. Capitol this Friday, Nov. 17, wrapping up a two-week tour around West Virginia and surrounding states. The tree was harvested from the Greenbrier Ranger District in Randolph County Nov. 1.

Each year a different national forest provides what is known as the People’s Tree, a tradition since 1970. The U.S. Capitol tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 28 at 5 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol. Tickets are not required and it is open to the public. Learn more about the history of the ceremony at the Architect of the Capitol’s website.

“Supplying these Christmas Trees to the White House and the U.S. Capitol marks a significant moment for Monongahela National Forest and we are honored for these trees be featured in our nation’s most iconic holiday displays,” said Forest Supervisor Shawn Cochran. “Christmas trees, adorned with the spirit of the state of West Virginia and Monongahela National Forest, will serve as a symbol of unity and joy during the holiday season.”

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