OVERVIEW

The Alaska Region of the Forest Service is seeking assistance from groups and individuals to help provide 45 tree skirts that will be needed as part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative. In addition to the providing the 70-80-foot tree that will adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol this holiday season, smaller trees will also be provided to federal offices in Washington D.C. along with ornaments and tree skirts.

Guidelines for Tree Skirts

• Tree skirts can be made out of any durable material.
• Skirts should be roughly 5-feet in diameter
• Include an opening at least 6 inches in diameter in the center for the trunk.
• Include a slit to allow the tree skirt to circle the trunk. Design the skirt to overlap in the back or include ribbon ties, snaps, buttons, or Velcro as closures.
• Stitch, write or attach your name, name of group and your town to the back of the tree skirt.
• Include a note with the names and mailing addresses of those who contributed.
• Tree skirts cannot include commercial logos, political affiliations, or be divisive or offensive.
• Tree skirts cannot be returned.

Ideas for Tree Skirts:

This year’s theme for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree is “Alaska’s National Forests – Where Nature, People and Tradition Come Together.” With that in mind, consider creating a tree skirt that celebrates Alaska with any of the following ideas:

• Uniquely Alaska – capture what truly makes Alaska “The Great Land”
• People – showcase the diversity and rich cultures of people who call Alaska home
• Places – highlight the iconic landscapes and special places in Alaska
• Flora & Fauna – feature the diversity of plants and animals of Alaska
• Outdoors – showcase the multitude of ways Alaskans enjoy their public lands
• Forest Service Icons – celebrate Smokey Bear on his 80^th birthday and Woodsy Owl

How to Submit

All tree skirts should be submitted to the Forest Service no later than September 16, 2024.  Tree skirts can be dropped off at any Alaska National Forest office or mailed to:

2024 Capitol Christmas Tree Skirts

161 East 1^st Avenue, Door 8

Anchorage, AK 99501

For more information

For questions related to tree skirts, please contact Annette Heckart at annette.heckart@usda.gov