Capitol Christmas Tree, Sierra National Forest Friends Visit with Children in Hospital

  • Rebecca Garcia, Public Affairs Officer, Sierra National Forest
Photograph of a woman and several children signing a large banner with a group of people looking on in the background.

Children and adults sign the banner that adorns the trailer of the 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree at the Central Valley Children's Hospital in Fresno, California on November 11.

The Capitol Christmas Tree, the 65' white fir dubbed "the People's Tree," made a special stop at the Central Valley Children's Hospital in Fresno, CA, to visit with the children before embarking on its two week journey to the nation's capitol.

At the hospital, the children were able to visit with Smokey Bear and his firefighting pals from the Sierra National Forest as well as Sierra NF Law Enforcement Officers and K-9 units, while viewing the 118 year-old-tree and signing the banner that decks the sides of the tree's trailer. Adults and children alike showed considerable interest in taking photos with Smokey and learning about fire safety rules.

The tree and convoy are on a two-week journey/ adventure across the country meeting with people before finally arriving at the capitol for the tree lighting ceremony on Dec. 6.

The Stanislaus National Forest is the forest responsible for the Capitol Christmas Tree. Responsibility for the "People's Tree" has been with the U.S. Forest Service since 1970. Responsibility for the tree rotates annually among the forests.

The convoy will also collect handmade ornaments for the Capitol Christmas Tree. The convoy consists of food donation trucks, as well. For more information, visit: http://www.capitolchristmastree2011.org/.