December Marks Michigan Christmas Tree Month

December Marks Michigan Christmas Tree Month

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Agriculture

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For immediate release: Dec. 2, 2025

Media contact: Lynsey Mukomel, 517-290-1734

 

December Marks Michigan Christmas Tree Month

 

LANSING, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer has proclaimed December as Michigan Christmas Tree Month, honoring the economic, environmental and social benefits of the state’s Christmas tree industry. To celebrate the start of the month, the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) and the Michigan Christmas Tree Association (MCTA) toured Peacock Road Family Farm in Laingsburg. Photos are available at this link for use in publication.

“Real Michigan Christmas trees are a holiday tradition for many families, whether you visit a Christmas tree farm or a retail tree lot,” said MDARD Director Tim Boring. “You not only get a fresh, fragrant, beautiful tree as the centerpiece of your celebrations, but at many locations you also get to experience activities like hayrides or sleigh rides, petting farms, visits with Santa and more. We continue to see that Michiganders are interested in connecting directly with agriculture, and establishments like Peacock Road Family Farm are really the fabric of our state culture this time of year.”

Michigan’s integrated network of family farmers, processors, wholesalers and retailers work together to ensure a quality product celebrated by millions throughout our state and country.

The state ranks third in the nation for the number of Christmas trees harvested, supplying about two million fresh trees – with an annual net value of more than $45 million – to the national market each year. There are more than 500 Christmas tree farms on a combined 33,000 acres in Michigan, ranging from large wholesale farms, to choose and cut farms, to small farms with a few acres selling pre-cut trees.

“Michigan’s Christmas tree industry delivers more than just holiday cheer,” said Amy Start, Executive Director of MCTA. “It generates jobs, supports environmental sustainability, and provides joy to millions of families during the holiday season. It means a lot to know Gov. Whitmer supports our industry and celebrates our role as a memory maker for Michiganders.”

Michigan grows and sells more than a dozen Christmas tree varieties on a wholesale level, which is more species than any other state. The most popular types of Christmas trees available in Michigan are Fraser fir, Scotch pine, Colorado blue spruce, Douglas fir, Concolor fir and Canaan fir. In addition to Christmas trees, the industry makes an additional $5 million in sales of wreaths, cut boughs, garland and other fresh greenery products.

“The holidays are always a magical time at Peacock Road Family Farm, and we’re excited to welcome families back to the farm this Christmas season,” said Farm General Manager Christian Voorheis. “You can take a wagon ride out to the field to cut your own tree or choose from our pre-cut lot and visit Santa in his cabin, roast marshmallows at a firepit, sip cocoa, buy lunch or a snack, visit our Christmas store, and leave with a beautiful Christmas tree, a warm heart and lasting holiday memories.”

Real Christmas trees are also a great environmental choice. They grow on rocky soil typically unsuitable for other crops and provide extra woodland for animals, create oxygen, and take carbon dioxide out of the air, helping combat global warming. Christmas trees are renewable resources and 100 percent recyclable. The best way to recycle your tree after Christmas is to chip it into mulch, which can be used for landscaping projects.

Christmas trees take six to eight years to reach marketable height. For every Christmas tree harvested, Michigan growers plant three new trees for future harvests.

Visit MCTA’s website or the Michigan Agritourism website to find a Christmas tree farm or retail/wholesale lot, and places offering family friendly holiday activities near you.

For information on where to recycle Christmas trees after the holiday season, check with your local municipality or area recycler or visit the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s Michigan Recycling Directory and use the keywords “Christmas trees” in the search bar.

Read the Michigan Christmas Tree Month proclamation.
Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Regional News

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dec. 1, 2025

Contact: Cheri Hardmon

HardmonC@Michigan.gov

 

Secretary Benson shares resources to support safety and independence during Older Driver Safety Awareness Week

Visit the Safe Drivers Smart Options website at Michigan.gov/AgingDriver for information and support

LANSING, Mich. – To mark the beginning of Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1-5, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is highlighting resources shared on the Safe Drivers Smart Options website that help drivers of all ages stay safe behind the wheel and maintain their mobility and independence.

 

“As we age, our physical abilities, vision, and health can change,” Secretary Benson said. “Whether you are an active driver or considering the transition toward retirement, it’s important to stay educated on safe driving strategies. Older Driver Safety Awareness Week is a good time to have conversations with your loved ones about next steps, start planning for change, and review the resources available on our Safe Drivers Smart Options website.”

 

The Safe Drivers Smart Options website, found online at Michigan.gov/AgingDriver, has resources and information to educate, empower, and guide older drivers and their families so they can stay active and safe behind the wheel, decide when it may be time to retire from driving, and find local transportation options. These include:

 

  • Older driver self-assessment tools and videos
  • Links to driving skill refresher courses
  • Ways specific medications and health problems may affect driving
  • Strategies for initiating conversations about when and how to transition to a non-driving lifestyle
  • Information for law enforcement officers, healthcare providers and other professionals

 

Aging drivers, family members or community organizations can also order copies of the booklet “Michigan’s Guide for Aging Drivers and Their Families” through the Safe Drivers Smart Options website.

 

Driving laws in Michigan do not require seniors to retake the driving test strictly based on age. The Department of State can mandate a driver reassessment test only if there is concern of a medical condition impairing safe driving, involvement in a fatal crash, three or more at‑fault crashes within two years, accumulation of 12 or more points within two years, or conviction for violating license terms or restrictions.

 

Visit Michigan.gov/AgingDriver to find resources that may help you or your loved ones stay safe, mobile, and independent.
December at the NOCC

December at the NOCC

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Local News, Nonprofit
Hello and happy December! 

It’s hard to believe that the end of the year is already here—but before we say goodbye to 2025, we have important information and resources to share! In the newsletter below, we will cover:

  • Youth Action Board’s Mindful Mornings
  • Facts About Fentanyl: Important Info Parents Need to Know
  • Social Support Through the Holidays and Winter

NOCC wishes you all a safe, fun holiday season!
As we enter December, it’s important to recognize the mixed emotions that our students may be feeling this time of year: for some, this season is full of excitement and fun; for others, they may experience depression, grief, or loneliness during their winter break—or even a combination of all of the above.

The Youth Action Board members recognize what may be coming up emotionally for their fellow students as we prepare for winter break. Together, YAB tries to help their peers during this time by hosting Mindful Mornings/Mindful Mondays at school! Lake Orion’s Mindful Mornings are held on a Wednesday morning late start, before school begins. This December, Oxford’s first Mindful Monday will occur during the lunch periods on Monday the week before the holiday break. YAB brings fun games and activities that include information and resources about mindfulness, self-care, and their importance to overall well-being.

Make sure your student knows when Mindful Morning/Mondays will be happening at their school!

Oxford High School Mindful Monday: Monday, December 15th during all lunch periods in the Oxford cafeteria

Lake Orion High School Mindful Morning: Wednesday, December 17th from 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM near the common area
Parents, here’s what you need to know about fentanyl—and why these conversations matter. 
Talking with your child about fentanyl doesn’t always require a “big serious conversation.” It can be a simple check-in, grounded in care, curiosity, and honesty about the facts. What matters most is keeping communication open: asking them what they’ve seen or heard, sharing what you’ve learned, and letting them know they can always come to you if they’re unsure about something. These small moments build trust and help our kids navigate situations safely.

As a community, we can make a real difference by staying informed and connected. You’ll find conversation guidance, local resources, and additional facts about prescription misuse and steps to take to safeguard your home on the North Oakland Community Coalition website. Thank you for partnering with us to keep our youth safe, supported, and empowered with the knowledge they need to thrive!
December has arrived, and so has the start of colder months and shorter days. This is when staying connected with others becomes especially important for our emotional well-being! This month, Lake Orion YAB members are putting on an activity during their Mindful Morning event focused on identifying those in their support—or their “snow”pport—system. Students will decorate small snow globe ornaments and write the names of those in their lives that help them feel safe, supported, and grounded. These ornaments are a reminder that they’re never alone, even during the longest stretch of winter.

Support doesn’t always look like a large social circle or picture-perfect family, and it doesn’t have to. Sometimes our support system is a mix of friends, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, or relatives that we trust. Support isn’t always a big event, either. It can look like a quick text, sharing a laugh, or simply knowing that someone would answer the phone if you needed them. What matters is the feeling you have from those in your support system: who helps you breathe a little easier and fills your cup? Who helps you feel like yourself?

We encourage you to take a moment to think about who’s in your own “snow”pport system: those who remind you that you don’t have to do life alone. If you’re able, offer a small expression of gratitude or connection back their way.

If this time of year feels heavy for you or a loved one, remember that reaching out is always okay and you’re never alone. Local mental health resources can be found on the NOCC website, and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, even on holidays, for professional mental health support.

Together, we can enter this holiday and winter season where connection keeps us warm…even when the weather doesn’t!
DNR Stuff a Truck holiday toy collection

DNR Stuff a Truck holiday toy collection

by | Dec 2, 2025 | Recreation

 
DNR banner with link to website

DNR News
Dec. 2, 2025
Contact: Katie Gervasi, 517-290-0679

DNR Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections available through Sunday

Donation locations include Clare, Detroit, Gaylord, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Northville, Traverse City and Whitehall.

two officers outside a store collecting toys in a truckIf you’re out and about this week and weekend, consider donating to the seventh annual Stuff a Truck holiday toy collections. The drive, hosted by Michigan Department of Natural Resources conservation officers, will take place at several locations throughout the Lower Peninsula.

The goal is to collect new, packaged toys, as many as it takes to “stuff” the back of a conservation officer patrol truck. All collected toys will be donated locally to ensure more children have gifts to open Christmas Day.

Stuff a Truck started in Detroit on Belle Isle in 2019, with all toys donated to the Detroit Police Department’s Sergeant Santa program.

“Since 2019 we have been collecting and donating toys in the hopes of making more children’s holiday a bit brighter,” said 1st Lt. Damon Owens, DNR Law Enforcement supervisor in Detroit. “One of the most rewarding aspects of Stuff a Truck is being out in the community delivering gifts to unexpecting families throughout the city of Detroit.”

Where to donate

Stuff a Truck has expanded to include events this year in Clare, Gaylord, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Northville, Traverse City and Whitehall, with donations going to local Toys for Tots and Salvation Army organizations.

This year, Stuff a Truck events will accept new, packaged toys (free of wrapping and decorations) at several locations, including:

Saturday, Dec. 6

  • Grandville: Cabela’s, 3000 44th St. SW, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Salvation Army.
  • Kalamazoo: Walmart, 6065 Gull Road, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Salvation Army.
  • Traverse City: Blain’s Farm and Fleet, 210 U.S. 31, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations go to Toys for Tots.
  • Whitehall: Walmart, 2755 Holton-Whitehall Road, noon-3 p.m. Donations go to the Salvation Army.

Saturday-Sunday, Dec. 6-7

  • Jay’s Sporting Goods, 8800 S. Clare Ave., Clare, and 1151 S. Otsego Ave., Gaylord, Saturday, Dec. 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Donations will go to the Central Michigan and Gaylord Toys for Tots.

Drop-off donation bins also are available in Detroit and Northville through Saturday, Dec. 6. at the following locations (donations go to the DPD Sergeant Santa program).:

  • Belle Isle Park Office, 99 Pleasure Drive, Detroit, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Belle Isle Conservatory, 876 Picnic Way, Detroit, Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Belle Isle Aquarium, 900 Inselruhe Ave., Detroit, Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  • Maybury State Park, 49601 Eight Mile, Northville, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Michigan conservation officers are fully commissioned law enforcement officers who provide natural resources protection, ensure recreational safety and protect residents through general law enforcement and lifesaving operations in the communities they serve. Learn more at Michigan.gov/ConservationOfficers.

Note to editors: An accompanying photo is available below for download. Caption information follows.

  • Truck: Michigan DNR conservation officers will be collecting toys at several Stuff a Truck locations in the Lower Peninsula through Saturday. Donation locations include Clare, Detroit, Gaylord, Grandville, Kalamazoo, Northville, Traverse City and Whitehall. All toys will be donated to local children.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future generations. For more information, go to Michigan.gov/DNR.