Local nonprofits host Christmas tree sales
• The Batavia Boy Scout Troop 12 is hosting its annual holiday Christmas tree sale with fresh, pre-cut Christmas trees, roping and wreathes at Batavia Skate Park, 411 S. River St. (Route 25).
It will continue until Dec. 22 or until sold out. Sale hours are 5 to 9 p.m. weekdays or 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekends. They accept cash, checks or credit cards. Boy Scouts will be on duty to assist you with the selecting, baling and tying down your tree. Visit www.bataviatroop12.org.
• The Dundee Township Lions is hosting annual Christmas tree sale at Grafelman Park, off Main and Fifth streets in West Dundee. It is the largest fundraiser for the Lions Club. All profits from the sales go to support many community charities.
Sale hours continue from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, until all the trees are sold.
In addition to trees, there will be wreaths and garland for sale.
The Lions also are asking people to bring their old Christmas tree lights, whether they are working or not, for recycling.
This donation will be used to raise money to support the Lions Foundation to help the visual and hearing-impaired.
To learn more about what the Lions are up to, visit www.dundeelions.org or follow the club on Facebook.
• The Algonquin Lions Club's annual Christmas Tree and Wreath Sale continues from 6 to 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Algonquin State Bank on Randall Road. They are selling Michigan-raised quality Fraser fir trees ranging in size from 6 feet to 12 feet. Wreath sizes are 24 and 36 inches. As a courtesy, the Lions also trim the bottom of the tree and will tie the tree to the buyer's vehicle. The Lions accept cash, checks and major credit cards. The proceeds are going to support local charities. Visit www.lionsclubofalgonquin.org.
• Celebrate the Christmas season through Dec. 23 at Abbey Farms, 850 Butterfield Road in Aurora, run by the monks of Marmion Abbey. Hunt for your perfect Christmas trees on the farm or choose a precut tree. All precut trees come from a large Christmas tree operation in Michigan.
Tree shaking, netting and assistance with tree tying are always complimentary. While you wait, step inside the Nagel Emporium for apple cider doughnuts and hot chocolate. If there is snow on the ground, they will provide sleds to enjoy around the farm.
After you check tree shopping off your list, take time to shop the seasonal store! You'll find gifts for all ages, décor and bakery goods. The Pine Tree Café serves farm-made meals and treats, courtesy of favorite family recipes.
Abbey Farms is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; last entry into U-Cut fields is 6 p.m. If you come after dark, bring your flashlight - the fields are not lit and sprawl over 120 acres. There are lights at the precut tree lot located in the parking lot next to the Nagel Emporium.
Santa visits the farm Dec. 9-10. As Christmas draws near, the jolly guy heads back to the North Pole to make certain the elves are doing their jobs. Watch for postings about his visits on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Cost is $45 for U-Cut trees (all untagged Christmas trees: Scotch pine, white pine, Austrian); Premium U-Cut tree is $60 (all white tagged Christmas trees: spruce and fir); and precut trees are $9 per foot. Cost of wreaths and garland vary by size. Saw rental is a refundable $10.
Field conditions will range from dry to snowy to muddy in warm weather, so please dress accordingly! Do not drive into the fields. There are ample places to park near all of our tree fields, so please park your vehicle and walk into the fields.
The tree fields are on the rebound! They continue to plant 10,000 to 15,000 Christmas tree seedlings each year and while they take 8 to 10 years to reach a sellable height, our U-Cut fields currently offer plenty of Scotch pine, white pine and Austrian pine ranging from 6 to 8 feet tall and a limited supply of 8-plus foot tall trees. With a little bit of hunting you're sure to find the perfect Christmas tree!
Leashed pets are welcome! For questions, contact Abbey Farms at info@abbeyfarms.org, (630) 966-777 or abbeyfarms.org.