Wrangell Students Aid the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Journey

Wrangell T3 Alaska and Upward Bound students have been involved with the U.S. Capital Christmas Tree initiative along with the US Forest Service, the Society of American Foresters, and community members. This year, the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree was selected from the Tongass and Chugach National Forests. This month, the 95-foot tree will begin a 4,000-mile journey from Wrangell, Alaska, to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.  Over three weeks, the tour will travel to the “Lower 48” by sea and then by truck from the Pacific coast to the eastern seaboard.  Along the way, it will make 11 Whistlestops where the public can get involved in the project and learn about Alaska’s national forests and the People’s Tree” tradition.

T3 Alaska students worked with the Forest Service and Brian Ashton, representing ARED LLC, and the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society, to develop a support system to keep the tree hydrated while it traveled across the country. The students adapted innovative technology in the salmon incubation field to create a tree life support system. The prototype comprised of a welded aluminum drip tray and frame to support the tree misting system and installed it on a trailer to ensure its portability. They’ve modified this prototype to a final product and it is ready to go along with the real capitol tree! The project has been a huge reinforcement of the benefits of a growth mindset coupled with technology to support the community.

We are thankful for all of the community partners who made this project and student experience a success!

Students Develop Life Support System for U.S. Capitol Tree
U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Initiative