Outdoors in RI: Pick a Real Christmas Tree – Get-Ready-to-Fish Gift – Outdoors with your Pet

Rhody grown: Real trees support local farmers

Tips and trends when picking out this year’s Christmas tree

It’s that time: One of the particular joys of the season is heading outdoors to pick out a Christmas tree.

Some good news for tree shoppers this season: If you are buying from a big-box store or pop-up lot where the trees are likely shipped from Canada—live trees imported from our northern neighbor are exempt from tariffs.

However, a better option might be to buy local, advises URI forestry extension specialist Christopher Riely. He will be heading to a local tree farm to make his selection, keeping his decorative dollars in the local economy. Plus, it’s a magical experience.

“It can be a fun expedition to pick out a Rhody-grown tree,” says Riely.

Riely likes to vary the type of tree he puts up from year to year. He enjoys buying fresh-cut trees from local farms, and in recent years has been drawn to “character” trees that are far from the perfect conical shape but unique in appearance (and also offer a good value). Last year, he brought home a white fir.

A Certified Forester and Arborist in URI’s Department of Natural Resources Science, Riely shared some shopping pointers for those looking for a tree for Christmas:

Is a live tree or an artificial tree a better choice, environmentally?

Live trees are made of 100% renewable materials that don’t need any special recycling or composting facilities. They absorb carbon from the atmosphere during their lifetime, rather than contributing to the impacts associated with producing metals and plastic.

What’s the best way to find a Rhody-grown tree and what are some things to look for when selecting a tree?

The Rhode Island Christmas Tree Growers Association website is a good place to start. There are a modest number of family-run farms located around the state. Many offer customers the opportunity to come before the season to select and “tag” a tree, then return to have it cut during the lead-up to the holidays. This is the best way to ensure that you will get the species, size, and shape of tree you prefer, and it can be especially fun for children. Of course, it’s fine to just show up and select from the trees that are available.

You can tell if a tree is fresh if it isn’t dropping a lot of needles when you touch the branches. The needles on a fresh tree are dark green. Grayish needles indicate the tree is drying out, unless it’s a species with different-colored needles such as Colorado blue spruce.

It’s a good idea to know how much space you have for a tree before you go looking for one. It’s easy to underestimate the height of a tree when you are outside, so measure if you can and don’t forget to add room for the tree stand and whatever you will be putting on top.

Are any varieties best for length of display and/or scent?

Different species of trees appeal to different people and their prices vary. Firs have flat needles that are gentler to touch. Balsam firs are the most common (and least expensive) species of Christmas tree in the Northeast. They are also known for their appealing scent; you can find souvenir pillows filled with balsam fir needles. Douglas and long-lasting Fraser firs are more expensive, but appreciated for their classic appearance and form. Spruces have round, pointed needles that can be prickly to the touch but many people like the look of the Norway spruce or Colorado blue spruce. Young native white pines can be used as Christmas trees, but their appearance is often too spindly or scruffy-looking for people who are accustomed to a symmetrical, pruned, and conical look.

Are there any tree trends happening this year?

One interesting ongoing trend over the past 55 years in the U.S. is that a conifer from federal public lands is selected for display outside the Capitol in Washington D.C., with the tree coming from a different part of the country each year. This year’s tree is a 53-foot red fir harvested from the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest in Nevada. It is currently traveling by truck on a cross-country tour before arriving in Washington, where it will be lit in early December and decorated with 10,000 ornaments.

Beyond the wonder of having a tree in your home, is purchasing a live local tree a good way to support local farmland and agricultural businesses?

The best way to support local growers is to buy their trees! Some farmers grow Christmas trees as a way to diversify their income together with other agricultural products and farm tourism experiences.

Supporting Christmas tree farmers is just like supporting local farmers — it helps ensure the continued economic viability of these enterprises and reduces the likelihood that productive open space will be developed or converted for another use.

For more tips on caring for your tree once it’s home, or disposing after, contact URI’s Cooperative Extension Gardening and Environmental Hotline (401-874-4836 / gardener@uri.edu). To learn more about Rhode Island trees, any time of year, visit  Rhode Island Woods, an online resource for information on Rhode Island forests, maintained at the University of Rhode Island.

 ___

Outdoors with your Pet

Winter is coming… and your pet definitely has thoughts about it. Dr. Ezra Ameis, veterinarian and founder of Paw Priority, is sharing his top tips to keep our furry friends warm, happy, and safe as temps drop (because chapped paws and frozen whiskers are so last season).

Here are a few vet-approved winter must-knows:

• Protect paws: Apply pet-safe balm to prevent cracking from snow, ice, and salt.

• Keep pets hydrated: Make sure fresh, room-temperature water is always available.

• Dress appropriately: Small, short-haired, or older dogs may need a coat in cold weather.

• Avoid hazards: Keep pets away from frozen puddles, antifreeze, and ice-melting chemicals.

• Provide warmth indoors: Blankets, elevated beds, and draft-free spaces help pets stay comfortable.

___

Tips for Buying a Tackle Box – for you, the outdoorsman, and a first for a young person

To buy your first fishing tackle box, start with a size that fits your needs and budget, like a 3600 or 3700 series, and prioritize organizational features like adjustable compartments and a waterproof seal. Consider your fishing style to choose between a classic box, a backpack, or a satchel style, and make sure it has enough space for your essential items like hooks, sinkers, line, and pliers. 

1. Choose the right size and style

• Size: A 3600 or 3700 series is a good starting point, offering enough space for essentials without being overwhelming.
• Style: Choose a style that suits how you fish. A classic tray box works well if you’re stationary, while a backpack is more convenient if you’ll be hiking to different spots.
• Portability: Look for a box that is easy to carry and transport.

• Customizable trays: Removable dividers allow you to resize compartments to fit specific items, like large hooks or unique lures.

• Waterproof seal: A waterproof seal and secure latches will protect your gear from the elements. 

3. Consider the material

• Durable plastic: Many tackle boxes are made from durable molded plastic.
• Nylon: Some backpack-style boxes are made from nylon. 

• Hooks and sinkers: Carry an assortment of hooks in different sizes and various sinkers.
• Line: Bring extra fishing line in case you break some.
• Bobbers: These help keep your hook at a certain depth and are essential for many types of fishing.
• Pliers or forceps: Needle-nose pliers are crucial for removing hooks from fish, and forceps can also be helpful.
• Lures or bait: Include a selection of both hard and soft baits to catch different types of fish.
• Sunscreen: Don’t forget to pack sun protection. 

To buy a child’s first fishing tackle box, choose a small, lightweight and easy-to-handle box, ideally with a clear lid and secure latches. Stock it with essential, beginner-friendly items like bobbers, small hooks (like #6 and #8), split shots, and simple lures (such as Beetle Spins or spinners). Include practical tools like a line cutter and pliers, and consider pre-packaged beginner kits to simplify the process.

Tips for getting started

• Start simple: Don’t overfill the box. Begin with the essentials to avoid overwhelming the child.
• Buy pre-packaged kits: Some starter kits come with a box and basic supplies like hooks and bobbers, which can be a convenient option.
• Let them participate: Let your child pick out some tackle in their favorite colors to increase their excitement.
• Focus on safety: Ensure hooks are stored safely, and children understand that weights can be harmful if swallowed.
• Teach the basics: Show your child how to set up their gear, attach bait, and cast properly. 

___

National Parks

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, “nonresidents without an annual pass will pay a $100 per person fee to enter 11 of the most visited national parks, in addition to the standard entrance fee,” the Department of Interior announced on Nov. 25, among other changes.

“These policies ensure that U.S. taxpayers, who already support the National Park System, continue to enjoy affordable access, while international visitors contribute their fair share to maintaining and improving our parks for future generations,” Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a news release in line with an executive order designed to “allow more Americans to visit national parks.”