Society of American Foresters Proudly Supports the 2023 US Capitol Christmas Tree

“People’s Tree” will spread holiday joy from West Virginia to Washington, DC

September 28, 2023

WASHINGTON – Each year, a national forest provides a tree to light up the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building for the holiday season. The Monongahela National Forest, in partnership with nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors and presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, will bring the 2023 US Capitol Christmas Tree from West Virginia to Washington, DC with support from sponsors, including Society of American Foresters (SAF).

The 63-foot-tall Norway Spruce will be harvested on the Monongahela National Forest in early November and prepared for the nearly 1,000-mile expedition. With the theme “Endlessly Wild and Wonderful,” the journey will include a series of outdoor community celebrations across West Virginia before being delivered to the US Capitol on November 17, where it will be decorated with handmade ornaments specially made by West Virginians. Smaller Christmas trees also will be provided to service members stationed at Joint Base Andrews and offices throughout Washington, DC.

As a sponsor of this program, SAF West Virginia Division members, Rexana McCourt, Jeff Kochenderfer, and Dave McGill, and SAF National staff member, Lori Rasor, have developed key messages and educational pieces to share with the event attendees along the tour route. In addition, SAF will be present at some of the stops along the tour route. 

“SAF is excited to sponsor the US Capitol Christmas Tree for another year. This effort represents how we can come together around celebrating communities and our forests. We look forward to doing our part in sharing this great effort with our professionals and their communities.” said Terry Baker, CEO of Society of American Foresters.

“The annual journey is only possible with the help of strong community partnerships throughout West Virginia and beyond state lines,” said Bruce Ward, President of Choose Outdoors. “We’re grateful for the time and resources Society of American Foresters provides to help make this the best year yet.”

In addition to presenting sponsor 84 Lumber, the initiative is made possible with cash and in-kind contributions from large and small companies and volunteers locally and across America who provide vital support of time and resources. For a list of 2023 sponsors, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com/sponsors.

For news, events, and tour information, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com and follow along on social media:
Facebook: @USCapitolChristmasTree
X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: @USCapitolTree
Instagram: @USCapitolChristmasTree 

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Media Contact: 
Danielle Watson
[email protected]
202-938-3910

The Society of American Foresters (SAF) is the national scientific and educational organization representing over 9,000 forestry and natural resources professionals across the United States. Founded in 1900 by Gifford Pinchot, SAF promotes science-based, sustainable management and stewardship of the nation’s public and private forests. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, SAF members include forestry and natural resource professionals in public and private settings, researchers, CEOs, administrators, NGOs, consulting foresters, educators, and students.