December 25, 2021 Issue, Page 3 of 8

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December 25, 2021 3 News Oil & Gas Report for the State of Oklahoma for Dec. 14-20, 2021 Extend the life of a Christmas tree after the holidays By Trisha Gedon winter landscape. Natural some energy from those sug- of your yard so you won’t scare wreaths and garland can also ary treats they may have eaten the birds when you’re trying to STILLWATER – Oklahoma be used. during the holidays,” she said. observe them.” families looking for a fun ac- Help attract birds by creating Hentges offers a word of cau- She also suggested a variation tivity after the holidays should some ornaments that can be tion when using peanut butter on bird hunting: Check out a look no further than the fresh- hung on the branches. Use cot- as part of bird food treats when library book about Oklahoma cut Christmas tree in their liv- ton or another natural fiber to temperatures are warmer than birds and keep track of how ing room. The tree came into hang the natural ornaments normal. many can be found feasting the home from nature and because the birds can use this “When it’s warm outside, the on the treats that have been now, after the sound of jingle material later for nesting. oil can separate and get on the hung on the tree. To learn even bells fade away, it can be re- Some easy ideas include: birds’ feathers, which makes more about what types of birds turned to nature. Strings of cranberries, popcorn them unable to regulate their or other wildlife that visit the “Once the ornaments and or cereal. temperatures,” Hentges said. tree when you aren’t watching, lights have been removed, Slices of fresh apples or or- “One way to combat that is- attach a trail camera to the tree consider using the fresh-cut anges. sue is to mix the peanut butter to get an up-close view of the tree to help the wildlife in your Pinecones smeared with pea- with cornmeal. The cornmeal new backyard friends. landscape – particularly our nut butter and rolled in a bird will help absorb the oil, but “Even though the holidays can feathered friends,” said David seed mix or black oil seeds. the peanut butter will still be go by quickly, turning your Hillock, Oklahoma State Uni- Garlands of red or green sticky enough for the bird seed fresh-cut tree into a bird feeder versity Extension consumer grapes. to stick to it.” is one way to extend that feel- horticulturist. “You’ll not only Small mesh bags filled with This can also be a fun educa- be providing food and habitat chopped fruit. tional opportunity for families, ing of joy,” Hentges said. for the bird population but also Sometimes young children she said. Learning doesn’t have For those who may not want providing hours of fun for your may be sad when it’s time to to stop during the Christmas to turn the old Christmas tree family.” take down the tree and other holiday simply because school into a bird feeder, check with Place the tree outdoors in the decorations, but turning it into is out. city officials about a tree recy- tree stand, a bucket of dirt or a bird feeder can extend the “Turn this time into an ongo- cling program. In many com- even tied to a fence post, and joy of the holiday a little lon- ing science project,” Hentges munities, trees are collected decorate it with tasty treats for ger, said Casey Hentges, host said. “Together with your chil- and turned into mulch for local the birds to provide them with of OSU Agriculture’s television dren, learn about wildlife that’s parks and public gardens. nourishment needed in the program Oklahoma Garden- right in your own backyard. For OSU Extension offers addi- cold, winter months. The tree ing. the best results, don’t place the tional information online re- will also add visual interest to “It’s also a great outdoors ac- tree right next to your home. garding landscaping and gar- what can sometimes be a bleak tivity for your kids to burn off Move it toward the back part dening to attract birds.