T3 Alaska Students Supports the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative

At T3 Alaska, we empower the next generation of Alaskans by providing unique educational opportunities that connect their skills to the community and the wider world. This year, we are thrilled to be part of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative, a project that symbolizes the holiday spirit and showcases Alaska’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.

The 2024 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will be sourced from the Tongass National Forest, specifically the Wrangell Ranger District. T3 Alaska students from Wrangell played a role in selecting the tree, utilizing drones to identify ideal candidates. They gained hands-on experience with the criteria for selecting a tree for this prestigious role, focusing on aspects like symmetry, height, and fullness. 

Currently, the T3 students are working with the Forest Service and Brian Ashton of ARED LLC, Wrangell community member, to develop a life support system to keep the tree hydrated while it travels across the country. This design challenge taps the students’ technology skills and reinforces a growth mindset as they work alongside ARED and the Forest Service to refine the details. 

ARED has produced portable salmon incubators that operate on a full-recirculation system that requires no chemical treatments. When the Forest Service was investigating ways to keep the tree alive for the barge trip from the Tongass to Seattle and then across the country to the capital, Tori Houser (Wrangell Ranger District) met with Ashton to see if his technology could be applicable. The underlying technology is based upon the company’s “Moist Air” salmon incubation systems. 

After meetings with Forest Service Arborist staff, it was determined that the moist air technology could be modified to become a “life support” system for the tree and the T3 students were invited to meaningfully participate in modifying the systems for the tree. The modifications will include research and testing, design and manufacturing, misting, containment, recapture/recirculation, purification/filtration, water storage, power supply, and alarm and backup systems. 

This project exemplifies the spirit of collaboration at the heart of T3 Alaska. We are working closely with the U.S. Forest Service and local community leaders to ensure the selection process is both educational and inclusive. The involvement of our students brings a fresh perspective and youthful enthusiasm to the project, highlighting the importance of engaging young people in the community.

T3 Alaska is honored to be part of this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree initiative. This project is more than a celebration of the holiday season; it is an opportunity to showcase the talent and dedication of our students, the significance of our natural environment, and the vibrant cultural heritage of Alaska. We look forward to accompanying the tree to Washington DC and seeing it take its place on the Capitol’s West Lawn, a symbol of Alaska’s resilience, unity, and spirit.