‘Tis The Season To Be Wreathing
November 18, 2015
With the nightly frosts growing heavy and winter knocking at the door, it’s time for a true Downeast tradition: tipping! The collection of Balsam Fir boughs, or “tipping brush,” is a timeless tradition and an essential part of the local economy in Downeast Maine. The creation of holiday wreaths and decorations using these fragrant trees helps local citizens earn extra income, as Washington County wreaths are sent all over the nation to decorate homes and businesses.
The Downeast Lakes Land Trust (DLLT) issues tipping permits for this seasonal pastime which is practiced on the Farm Cove Community Forest. Each permit is only five dollars and they can be obtained by visiting our office in Grand Lake Stream. A special thanks goes out to Gail and James Moffitt for the beautiful wreath (pictured), created using tips from the community forest!
If you are interested in learning more about tipping, join DLLT staff and volunteers on Sunday, November 29th for our Tipping Field Trip. We will head into the Farm Cove Community Forest to gather balsam tips to use at our annual Community Wreath Making Party, held at the Grand Lake Stream School Building on Tuesday, December 1st. For more information about these two programs, please visit www.downeastlakes.org or call (207) 796 – 2100.
