Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Welcome Partners to Assist in 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree
Christmas is far away from most Idahoans’ minds this spring, but on March 23, inside Lewiston’s Clearwater Casino, the holiday season was in full swing. Forest Service staff were up early, decorating recently harvested trees and baking their favorite Christmas cookies. Their unseasonable holiday spirit had a purpose– as the host forest for the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree, they were holding a meeting with potential governmental, nonprofit, and corporate sponsors.
Forest Service employees briefed partners on the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project and the important role partners play in its journey from Idaho to Washington, D.C. After the briefing, partners helped make ornaments, brainstormed how they could assist in this momentous undertaking and enjoyed the homemade cookies. “The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is known as ‘The People’s Tree’ for a reason: it represents the communities it comes from,” Deputy Forest Supervisor Heath Perrine said. “The tree is the focus of an entire year of local celebrations, and the support of our highly talented partners is vital in this process.”
Partners are crucial to every aspect of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project. The forests rely on their help to make the 10,000 homemade ornaments that will accompany the tree to Washington, D.C., host community events, create 50 handmade tree skirts for prominent Washington, D.C. offices, and sponsor the tree’s more than 2,000 mile journey. It is a tradition each year that local community organizations and corporations find creative ways to support the tree that also tell their story and that pay tribute to their community.
The national partner for the tree is the Society of American Foresters (SAF). SAF CEO Terry Baker said, “The Society of American Foresters is excited to partner with the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests and Idahoan communities for the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. As ‘The People’s Tree’ makes its way through its home state and across the country, it brings connection and joy. The Idaho tree will have a very special place in history. It will be the tree that helps the United States celebrate its 250th birthday!”
Are you or someone you know interested in partnering with the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests for the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree? Scan the attached QR code or fill out the interest form.
Want to learn more about the history and meaning of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree? Check out the official website from our national partner, the Society of American Foresters.
