W.Va. to provide second Christmas tree to Washington, D.C.

ELKINS, W.Va. — West Virginia has been asked to furnish a second Christmas tree to Washington, D.C., this year — to appear on the Ellipse near the Washington Monument.

While a first tree is being delivered to the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol, a second tree has been raised at the White House near the monument, according to officials with the Monongahela National Forest.

A crane lifts the White House tree into place. (USDA Forest Service photo by Tanya E Flores.)

Shawn Cochran, a forest supervisor with the Monongahela, says he and other forest staff are honored to provide two specimens for the season.

“Supplying these Christmas trees to the White House and the U.S. Capitol marks a significant moment for Monongahela National Forest,” Cochran said.

The first tree, a 63-foot tall Norway spruce, is being installed at the Capitol, while the second tree, a 40-foot tall spruce of the same species, was delivered Tuesday to the White House.

The Capitol tree will be delivered Nov. 17, wrapping up a two-week tour around West Virginia and surrounding states.

The tree is located on the Ellipse between the White House and the Washington Monument and can be viewed by the public beginning December 2.

The National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on November 30.

Each year, a different national forest provides what is known as the People’s Tree, a tradition since 1970.

The U.S. Capitol tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for November 28 at 5 p.m. at the U.S. Capitol. Tickets are not required, and it is open to the public. Learn more about the ceremony’s history at the Architect of the Capitol’s website.

Learn more about Monongahela National Forest at fs.usda.gov/mnf or follow them at Facebook.com/MonongahelaNF.