Friends Of Hammonasset Christmas Tree Sale Under Way

The Friends of Hammonasset 12th annual Christmas Tree sale began Friday with volunteers and members Gary Nolf and Don Rankin sharing their tree expertise, and generally being friendly friends. The goal was to sell 100 trees by the end of Sunday.

Freshly cut, Connecticut-grown, the trees available this weekend were from a farm in Voluntown, people can choose from a variety including Fraser, Canaan, Colorado Spruce, Balsam and Concolor Firs. Tree prices range from $35 to $55. Fresh roping and wreaths are also available.

Nolf and Rankin told a Madison man, who is a physician at Lawrence & Memorial Hospital in New London, the difference between a Fraser and a Balsam: the latter, while fragrant, drops its needles, while the former, called the ‘Cadillac of Christmas trees has excellent needle retention.

Proceeds help to support activities at Meigs Point Nature Center and other park educational programs. Tress are available daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p-.m. now through Dec. 19.

Friends of Hammonasset is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit that provides environmental education, works to preserve the integrity of Hammonasset Beach State Park’s natural resources and serves as an advocate for the park. The volunteer-run organization works in conjunction with the Park’s management and the Friends of Connecticut State Parks.

For more information, call 203-245-9192 or www.friendsofhammonasset.org