Using Leftover Christmas Trees to Protect Shorelines and Create Fish Habitat

Lake Huron North is turning holiday leftovers into habitat. This winter, we launched a project to repurpose leftover Christmas trees to help stabilize an eroding riverbank and improve fish habitat along our shoreline.

Instead of ending up in the landfill, the trees are anchored along the water’s edge. Their branches slow down water currents, which helps trap sediment and reduce erosion. Over time, this creates a more stable shoreline and encourages the growth of native plants that further protect the bank.

The trees also provide valuable underwater structure for fish. Their branches offer shelter for small fish and invertebrates, while attracting larger species to feed—boosting the diversity and health of our aquatic ecosystem.

This project is a simple, low-cost, and environmentally friendly way to reuse natural materials while supporting both shoreline protection and habitat restoration. It’s a great example of how small actions can have lasting benefits for our waterways.