As the holiday season concludes, Freedom Hill Farm and Rescue in Columbus is inviting the community to donate their real Christmas trees, transforming them into nutritious treats for the farm’s animals. The initiative aims to provide the goats with both physical and mental enrichment while giving the trees a second life.
Community Engagement and Animal Health
Owner Taylor Ventura emphasized the multiple benefits that Christmas trees offer. “The goats really love the Christmas trees; it’s a great enrichment tool,” Ventura stated. “It’s good for their health, and it helps with worms and their digestive tract.” This practice not only enhances the goats’ well-being but also fosters community interaction, as many locals enjoy visiting the farm to drop off their trees.
For the past five years, Ventura has successfully collected Christmas tree donations, typically gathering around 10 trees each holiday season. “It started when someone asked if they could donate a tree, and we learned that the goats loved it,” she explained. Following her research, Ventura discovered the health benefits of pine, fir, and spruce trees for goats, leading to the continuation of this tradition.
Visitors to Freedom Hill often take pleasure in the farm’s petting zoo while delivering their trees. “A lot of locals drop trees off and enjoy the petting zoo and the animals,” Ventura noted. “They know the animals enjoy it.” The initiative not only benefits the goats but also extends to other animals on the farm, including sheep and even the farm’s cow, creating what Ventura describes as a “full family feast” for the animals.
Guidelines for Tree Donations
Freedom Hill Farm and Rescue, located at 311 Mize Nursery Lane in Columbus, encourages donors to bring only real Christmas trees that are free of decorations, tinsel, or artificial materials to ensure the safety of the animals. The farm’s approach highlights the importance of sustainable practices during the holiday season while fostering a deeper connection between the community and its local wildlife.
As the season wraps up, Freedom Hill Farm continues to exemplify how simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact on animal welfare and community spirit. This initiative stands as a reminder of the joys of giving, especially during the festive period.
