Birds Christmas Tree

Children bring homemade, biodegradable bird feeders to hang in the trees of the Botanic Garden’s “Grove.”  (Children need to BRING these treats to the Garden rather than make them on site.)  Recipes for feeders are available at the Garden Center’s information desk.  Santa and Mrs. Claus, penguins, B.G. Squirrel, Cardinal, Smokey the Bear will be on hand to welcome children of all ages.  Local students and talent provide musical entertainment. 

Admission is Free

Treats for the Birds (all items must be made at home)

Pine Cone Treats Tie strings for hanging on the pine cones. Lay the cones on a baking sheet or newspaper and coat them with peanut butter, then sprinkle the cones with wild bird seed. Never use plain peanut butter alone - mix it with seeds or cornmeal to prevent the birds’ beaks from getting clogged. 

Goodie Garlands Colorful strands of treats can be assembled using a long, large-eyed needle and biodegradable string. Use doughnut-shaped cereal, popcorn, grapes, cranberries, and other fruit pieces. Mix and match colors and shapes! 

Fruit Kabobs Find a sturdy stick about a foot long and push it through an apple or pear half. Tie a biodegradable string to each end of the stick and loop it over a tree branch. Birds will perch on the branch and nibble at the fruit. Stale doughnuts or bagels can be used in place of the fruit. 

Breadsticks and Bagels Smear peanut butter on stale breadsticks or bagels and roll them in bird seed. Hang the treats on tree branches with biodegradable string, like cotton or jute.