Kingsville, MO. — Powell Gardens, Good Oak, and Kansas City WildLands, a program of Bridging The Gap, invites the community to take part in a festive and environmentally impactful holiday tradition. Christmas Cedar Tree Day will be held Saturday, December 6 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Powell Gardens. 

Harvest your own native eastern red cedar tree (a beautiful, fragrant option for seasonal decorating) while participating in hands-on habitat restoration. Eastern red cedars are a native species, but their rapid spread in prairie landscapes can crowd out native grasses and wildflowers. Removing them helps restore and maintain healthy prairie ecosystems. 

A suggested donation of $25 per tree includes two complimentary tickets to Powell Gardens’ Evergy Festival of Lights, encouraging guests to enjoy the Gardens’ winter lights experience the same day or anytime during the festival season. 

“This event turns a favorite holiday tradition into stewardship,” said CEO Cody Jolliff. “As Kansas City’s botanical garden, we’re excited to offer guests the chance to interact with the plants in our region in a fun and celebratory way. Families can create lasting memories while contributing directly to ecological restoration efforts in.” 

Kansas City WildLands staff and volunteers will guide participants through selecting, cutting, and safely transporting their tree. Guests can then warm up with hot cider, cookies, and a cozy fire. Attendees should dress for winter conditions and bring gloves, sturdy footwear, and rope or straps to secure their tree for travel. 

“Eastern red cedar removal is a key part of preserving biodiverse prairie habitats,” said Hunter Moore, Kansas City WildLands Program Manager, Bridging The Gap. “Christmas Cedar Tree Day gives people a way to care for landscapes that define our region this holiday season. This event demonstrates how community engagement can directly support ecological health.” 

To volunteer at this event, email Hunter Moore (Kansas City WildLands Program Manager, Bridging The Gap) at hunter.moore@bridgingthegap.org. 

Proceeds support Kansas City WildLands and the Midwest Center for Regenerative Agriculture (MCRA) at Powell Gardens. To learn more about or donate to the MCRA, visit www.powellgardens.org/midwest-center.