In the 1965 holiday classic \u201cA Charlie Brown Christmas,\u201d Lucy tells Charlie to go pick out a \u201cgreat, big, shiny aluminum\u201d tree for their Christmas play.<\/p>\n
Charlie, eschewing the over-commercialization of Christmas, picks out a little green tree that needs a home. Central Floridians now have a chance to cut their own \u201cCharlie Brown\u201d Christmas tree during a special event this Saturday at D Ranch Preserve<\/a>, a 476-acre piece of public land owned and managed by Conservation Florida<\/a> in western Volusia County.<\/p>\n Community members who participate and take home a Florida sand pine are actually helping the nonprofit in managing the preserve.<\/p>\n \u201cFor years, fire didn\u2019t move naturally through the preserve as it once did. Now, sand pines can grow unchecked and crowd out other native plants,\u201d said Sarah Shepard, Conservation Florida\u2019s director of communications, in an email statement. \u201cWhen you come harvest your Christmas tree, you\u2019ll be helping us restore the delicate balance of the ecosystem and all the wildlife that depend upon it.\u201d<\/p>\n By contributing to the removal of sand pines, visitors can help reduce wildfire danger, improve wildlife habitat and support the health of native plant species.<\/p>\n Guests will be shuttled by a trail tram, or they may hike out to a designated tree-cutting area to be directed to an appropriate sand pine for harvesting by a team member. At the family-friendly event, visitors should bring a hand saw (no chainsaws permitted), protective gloves and a tarp or canvas for transporting the tree.<\/p>\n A donation of $25 is encouraged to secure a spot at the event, and all confirmed guests will be given a 30-minute harvest window. Reservations can be made through Eventbrite<\/a>.<\/p>\n Unlike the strong, full firs that are transported to Florida from up north, Florida sand pines have branches that are more sparse and weaker. However, the right Florida tree can still make a welcome addition to any home when decorated with dried oranges and Sunshine State-themed decor.<\/p>\n Still, cutting a tree yourself is much less expensive than purchasing a live fir, which could cost $65-$150 or more. This opportunity also comes at a time when tariffs of 30% or higher could mean higher prices for consumers on Chinese imports of Christmas decorations and artificial trees, according to the American Christmas Tree Association<\/a>.<\/p>\n Lyonia Preserve<\/a> in Deltona, one of Central Florida\u2019s remaining scrub habitats, is also dependent on fire but is limited in opportunities for prescribed burns to prevent overgrowth and nonnative plants. The preserve will open for visitors to cut their own sand pine on Dec. 13, helping to maintain the habitat that sustains a population of endemic Florida scrub-jays.<\/p>\n Reservations are required for the Lyonia Preserve event by registering on Eventbrite<\/a> or by calling 386-789-7207, ext. 21028. Guests should bring loppers, a hand saw and gloves.<\/p>\n The U.S. Forest Service issues $10 pre-tree permits to harvest a Florida sand pine from Ocala National Forest. There are two designated areas for the harvest window, which runs through Dec. 25.<\/p>\n Forest visitors can use a handsaw or a chainsaw and must harvest a tree that\u2019s a maximum of 25 feet in height, leaving a maximum of a 6-inch in height on the stump. Permits and maps can be obtained on recreation.gov\/tree-permits<\/a>.<\/p>\n On select dates through Dec. 20, Santa\u2019s Christmas Tree Forest<\/a> in Eustis lets families cut down their own tree for $45; saws are available to borrow on-site. The family-run farm has 17 acres of trees, including Florida sand pines, red cedar or Arizona cypress, from which to choose.<\/p>\n In addition to choose-and-cut trees, the venue provides a selection of Northern-grown, pre-cut trees. After paying an entry fee, which ranges from $4-$13 depending on the date, visitors can also enjoy hayrides, a petting zoo, a giant bounce pillow and more.<\/p>\n Find me @PConnPie on Instagram<\/a> or send me an email: pconnolly@orlandosentinel.com<\/a>. Stay up to date with our latest travel, arts and events coverage by subscribing to our newsletters at orlandosentinel.com\/newsletters<\/a>.<\/p>\n Santa\u2019s Christmas Tree Forest lets families cut down their own tree<\/a><\/p>\n If you go<\/p>\n D Ranch Preserve hosts visitors for tree cutting from 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 6 at 2655 Reed Ellis Road in Osteen. A $25 donation is recommended, and reservations are required at eventbrite.com<\/a>. Learn more at conservationfla.org\/event<\/a>.<\/p>\n Visit the Lyonia Preserve from 9-10:30 a.m. Dec. 13 at 2150 Eustace Ave. in Deltona to cut down a sand pine. The free event requires reservations in advance on eventbrite.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ocala National Forest allows visitors to cut down sand pines for a $10 per-tree permit. The window is open through Dec. 25 in specific areas designated for Christmas tree harvesting. For more information, permits and maps, visit fs.usda.gov<\/a> or recreation.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n Santa\u2019s Christmas Tree Forest is open for visitors to cut their own tree on select dates through Dec. 20 at 35317 Huff Road in Eustis. Admission tickets range from $4-$13. Children ages 2 and younger enter for free. For more information, visit santaschristmastreeforest.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n