Rotary learns about Capitol tree
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ELKINS -- Amy Albright, U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Program Manager with the Monongahela National Forest, addressed the Elkins Rotary Club about the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, which is set to be harvested in Randolph County.
"It's truly an honor and a once in a lifetime career opportunity to be able to work on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree and to provide the tree from the Monongahela National Forest. The Forest has a rich history with the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project," Albright said.
The first "People's Tree" appeared on the U.S. Capitol lawn in Washington, DC, in 1964. Since that time, a Monongahela National Forest tree appeared in 1970 and 1976, and now another will grace the lawn in 2023.
In 1970 a 40' Norway spruce from near Camp Thornwood was selected and in 1976 a 41' red spruce from near Richwood was the choice.
Each year, a tree is selected from a national forest and a public celebration is arranged to commemorate the honored tree.
"The Architect of the Capitol has a very specific set of qualities for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. We have numerous conifer species on the Monongahela National Forest, but the choice came down to two particular species: red spruce and Norway spruce. Some species were too brittle to travel to DC and other species don't get quite tall enough," Albright said.
This year's project is a partnership between the Monongahela National Forest and nonprofit partner Choose Outdoors, with presenting sponsor 84 Lumber and other local and national sponsors and partners providing support.
This year's theme for The People's Tree is "Endlessly Wild & Wonderful." West Virginia is the third most-forested state in the nation with approximately 78% of the state covered in trees. The Monongahela National Forest harbors the headwaters of six major river systems. Hunting and fishing are also important, traditional activities for the local culture.
The selection process of the tree is very precise.
"Since the announcement last December that the Monongahela National Forest would provide the tree, Forest Service staff have been searching for good candidate trees across the nearly 1 million acres of national forest," Albright said.
"We looked for a 60' to 80' tall tree with a straight stem and full branches that would be pretty viewed in 360 degrees since it will be placed in the middle of the West lawn of the U.S. Capitol," said Albright.
One of the most difficult aspects to selecting a tree in the Monongahela is access to the tree. There are many gravel, twisting roads that make it difficult to get the required 100' trailer in to remove the tree.
In July, the Architect of the Capitol's Director of Grounds visited the Monongahela and spent three days traveling the Forest and viewing the eight candidate trees. The selected tree is a 63' Norway spruce from the Greenbrier Ranger District.
Once the tree was selected, arrangements were made to harvest and transport the tree. In early November, the tree will be harvested using two cranes to ensure that the tree doesn't fall to the ground during that process. It will then be placed on the trailer for transport through its tour of the state and, ultimately, to the U.S. Capitol lawn.
Elkins will be the first community to receive the tree on its grand tour. On Nov. 4, from 6-8 p.m., the public may view the wrapped-up tree at Elkins Town Square and will have the opportunity to sign the giant Christmas banners on the side of the truck. Information about the Forest will be available and those in attendance may purchase U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree merchandise.
Additionally, the town of "Elfkins" is planning its annual holiday light display and festivities at the Elkins Depot Welcome Center, including an appearance by Mark Bowe, host of Magnolia Network's "Barnwood Builders", at the AHF Product booth.
After its initial appearance in Elkins, the tree will travel to 12 more West Virginia cities before arriving in Washington on Friday, Nov. 17. The full schedule of the tree's journey can be found at www.uscapitolchristmastree.com/calendar. The adventure can also be tracked online at www.capitoltreetracker.com.
Another important component of The People's Tree is the 10,000+ handmade ornaments that will be placed on the tree as well as on other trees within federal buildings. All the ornaments are made by West Virginians and a small number will be used to decorate the tree on truck for its journey. The remainder of the ornaments will be sent to D.C. to adorn the tree once in place on the West Lawn.
The Elkins Sewing Center will also be participating in the Washington, D.C. holiday festivities. Rotarian Sue Pifer let the club know that her business is creating a 15' tree skirt that will be placed around the tree in the lobby of the USDA building rotunda. The eighteen individual panels of the tree skirt will feature embroidered images from the Monongahela National Forest. Those who would like to see the skirt in progress are welcome to stop by the Sewing Center and get a behind-the-scenes look at the project.
More information about the 2023 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree can be found at social media sites including Facebook (USCapitolChristmasTree), Twitter (@USCapitolTree) and Instagram (@uscapitolchristmastree). There is also a website dedicated to the 2023 Capitol Christmas Tree -- https://www.uscapitolchristmastree.com.
Rotary is a global network of 1.4 million neighbors, friends, leaders and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in their communities, and in themselves.
Visit www.Rotary.org to learn more about Rotary International, visit the club's Facebook page -- Rotary Club of Elkins -- or contact club president Kenny George at kenneth.george@blueridgeriskpartners.com for more information about the Rotary Club of Elkins.