Fort Erie farm seeks used Christmas trees to give birds winter shelter
January 1, 2026 at 6:43 AM
Kylie Barron, owner of Paterak’s Peckers Farmstead, is asking residents to drop off their evergreen Christmas trees to be reused in its bird enclosures.
The drop off is now open at 1641 Dominion Road, where trees can be left on the property or picked up by arrangement.
The evergreens help block wind during storms and create sheltered spaces inside the coops, which is especially useful during harsh winter weather, according to Kylie Barron. Credit: Paterak’s Peckers Farmstead | FacebookThe farm uses the trees to enrich living spaces for its chickens, turkeys, peacocks, ducks and guinea fowl. The evergreens create shelter from wind, attract insects for foraging and add natural structure inside the enclosures during winter.
“If 100 trees showed up, that would be incredible. If 200 trees showed up, that would be incredible, too. They would never go to waste,” Barron told Fort Erie Radio.
A pumpkin collection the farmstead organized last fall brought in hundreds of pumpkins, many of which are still being fed to the birds after freezing.
Paterak’s Peckers likes to find ways to reuse seasonal items that most people throw out, like Christmas trees and pumpkins. Credit: Paterak’s Peckers Farmstead | FacebookBarron said she enjoys finding simple ways to reuse seasonal items most people throw out, as it reduces waste while extending her supplies and improving her birds’ welfare.
“We had been doing it for a couple of years just with neighbours, and I thought, why not make a post this year and let other people bring their trees too,” said Barron.
Residents can pull into the driveway and unload trees behind the egg stand or request a pickup if transportation is an issue.
The stand also has eggs available for purchase while supplies last.
Contact details for Paterak’s Peckers Farmstead are available on its website.
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Andrew Hawlitzky
Andrew is a Niagara community journalist who has covered everything from local politics to annual festivals and breaking news. He works to make local news a platform where community voices lead the conversation. "If you don't like the news, go out and make some!"
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