King County Parks, Swansons Nursery partner in ‘Trees for Salmon’ Christmas tree program

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Living trees and other plants from purchases and donations at Swansons will be planted during volunteer events to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat.

King County Parks is teaming up with Swansons Nursery in Seattle for a second year to promote live trees as an option for your holiday evergreens. Living Christmas trees and other live vegetation can be used to enhance the beauty and habitat quality of backyards, parks and open spaces.

Through their “Trees for Salmon” partnership, Parks and Swansons offer several easy ways to ensure your Christmas tree’s life will continue well beyond the holidays – either in your yard, or in King County Parks’ 26,000 acres of open space.

Here’s how it works:

1. Purchase a living Christmas tree at Swansons Nursery – For every tree purchased, Swansons will donate a native plant to be planted by volunteers at a King County park restoration site. Plant your living Christmas tree in your yard to enjoy year-round.
2. Donate your living tree – Choose one of the species marked “donate this tree.” After the holidays, simply return the tree to Swansons Nursery, where it will be added to the supply of trees Swansons will give to King County Parks for habitat restoration events.
3. Show your support with a gift – Purchase a $5 “Sammy the Salmon” ornament at the Swansons Nursery cashier, and the money will be donated toward acquiring more native plants for King County Parks’ habitat restoration efforts. Hang the ornament on your tree at home, or give it as a stocking stuffer.

Planting native trees in forests and along streams and rivers enhances habitat for fish and wildlife, improves soil stability, reduces polluted runoff, and helps make King County’s green spaces healthy and vibrant.

Interested in planting the donated trees with your own hands? Volunteer at a habitat restoration event with King County Parks; check the schedule for upcoming opportunities.

Visit the King County Parks booth at Swansons Nursery on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 10am to 2pm, for information about the living trees partnership, volunteer opportunities with King County Parks, family-friendly games and prizes.

More information about the living trees partnership. Swansons Nursery is at 9701 15th Ave NW in Seattle. 

Celebrating its 75th Anniversary, King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 200 parks and 26,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, 180 miles of backcountry trails and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more.