Posted on Monday, January 5, 2004
Dr. Clarence E. Harms, professor of biology at Westminster College, focuses on an unusual post-holiday project - saving live Christmas trees for animal food and habitat.
For the past seven years, Harms has collected Christmas trees from local residents, and recycled them to the Westminster College Biology Field Station, affectionately called the Outdoor Laboratory on campus.
"Between now and the end of January, people can bring their live trees to one of two locations - the parking lot of the United Methodist Church on the corner of Mercer St. and E. Neshannock Ave., or at the Westminster Field Station on the Fayette-New Wilmington Road," Harms said. "I'll pick it up, and it will be chipped for mulch or placed in a pile with other trees as an animal shelter."
"Since 1997, my classes, colleagues, and I have placed over 500 trees out there," continued Harms. "It's important that all the tinsel be pulled from the tree, as this attracts birds who may suffer if they try to eat the glittery pieces."
"If you have a live potted Christmas tree and have no further use for it, please call me," Harms said. "I'll pick it up and arrange for it to be planted in our Arboretum. Such trees do have a chance to survive if planted soon."
Harms, who has been with Westminster College since 1969, earned his undergraduate degree from Tabor College, his master's from the University of Kansas, and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.
For more information, call Harms at his office at (724) 946-7207 or at his home at (724) 946-2981 or e-mail harmsc@westminster.edu.
