Ornaments for Habitat Trees

Trees for the Holidays...Trees for the City

If you are planning to use your holiday free for wildlife habitat, it is important that no decorations remain on the tree that may pose a threat to nature or wildlife. Glass, plastic or metal ornaments and those pretty "icicles" (made of plastic or the older aluminum) and fiberglass angel hair appeal to many forms of wildlife but can cause significant harm and even death to animals. What follows are sonic ideas for decorations that you can leave on your habitat tree to feed the wildlife. These decorations arc meant to be left on the tree—do not store them!

Garlands

Use 100% cotton thread at yarn for all garlands.

Popcorn

Cranberries

Raisins

Soybeans*

Peanuts (unshelled/unsalted)

Circular cereal

Corn (kernels off the cob)*

Dried beans*

Uncooked pasta

Pretzels

*soak in water to soften before stringing garland

 

Ornaments

Use 100% cotton thread or yarn for hanging ornaments.

Popcorn balls -- add food coloring to syrup for color and variety

Suet — shape the suet into three dimensional ornaments such as bells or use cookie cutters to cut out flat shapes. You can roll in birdseed if desired.

Pomanders -- stick cloves into oranges, lemons, limes, etc. to make wonderfully fragrant.. decorations for the free

Gingerbread/Bread Dough — use cookie cutters to create ornaments. Do not shellac or varnish!

Dried Apple Rings — core and slice apples. After drying, can hang separately or can string together for a garland.

Peanuts/Dried Beans — cluster into balls or strings

Pretzels -- can be arranged and bonded with suet

Cornstarch Ornaments -- blend 2 cups baking soda, 1 cup cornstarch and 1 1/4 cups cold water until smooth; boil one minute, while stirring: pour onto tray and cool; knead lightly (add food coloring); shape ornaments (and don't forget to make the hole for hanging).