Lake Shelbyville Christmas Tree Recycling Program

Don’t let your Christmas tree go to waste this year after the holidays. Extend your tree’s life by donating it for Fish Habitat Improvement Day at Lake Shelbyville.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lake Shelbyville Fish Habitat Alliance and Illinois Department of Natural Resources will place the discarded trees into Lake Shelbyville to enhance the fisheries for years to come. Donated Christmas trees are bundled together in small groups and submerged in the lake at select locations. These structures provide fish with breeding areas and escape cover, proving invaluable to not only the fisheries, but to anglers as well.

Trees will be collected in Shelbyville and Sullivan again this year. The designated collection site in Sullivan is at Sullivan 66 Gas Station south of Sullivan on Route 32. Trees can be dropped off inside the snow fence area on the north side of the building. (PLEASE, DO NOT PLACE TREES ON THE PARKING LOT). 

In Shelbyville, the designated collection site is at the Johnstowne Mall on the west side of Shelbyville. Please place trees inside snow fence area on the grass at the northwest corner of the parking area (PLEASE, DO NOT PLACE TREES ON THE PARKING LOT). Trees will be collected at both sites through March 1, 2025. Before delivering your tree to either of the designated collection sites please remove the stand, tinsel and any ornaments. If you have placed a plastic bag on your tree, remove it before leaving the tree. Please do not leave any other kind of tree trimmings, wreaths, flowers or yard waste at the sites.

For more information on this fish habitat project, contact Natural Resource Specialist Cory Donnel at (217) 774-3951, Ext 7001.