The Duke Forestry Christmas Tree Farm is a not-for-profit, student-run business. The farm was initiated by three Master of Forestry students in early 2008 in an effort to provide a fundraising avenue for the Duke University Student Chapter of the Society of American Foresters, improve graduate forestry education, and strengthen connections between the Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke, and the wider North Carolina community. The farm’s first cohort of Leyland cypress, Arizona cypress, and Eastern red cedar will be planted in December of 2008, and trees should be ready for harvest within the next 4 to 5 years. Both planting and harvest will be staggered to ensure a continued supply of choose-and-cut trees.

The initiative owes a great deal to a wider community of supporters. Judd Edeburn, Duke Forest Manager, has provided land for the farm itself, oversight, and technical assistance. Dr. Dennis Hazel, Professor of * and extension agent from North Carolina State University, has assisted us in our effort to understand North Carolina’s Christmas tree industry and the silvicultural practices appropriate to the Piedmont region. The Nicholas School has provided funding to purchase seedlings and equipment.

Finally, we would like to thank the North Carolina Christmas Tree Growers Association for valuable advice and encouragement. The Duke Forest Organic Christmas Tree Farm became a member of the Association in July 2008.

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