2022 Christmas Tree Cutting Lot

Cut your own Christmas Tree!

Our JFW Christmas Tree Lot is back for the 2022 Season!

Saturdays and Sundays from November 26 - December 18, 2022

Lot is staffed from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm by JFW club members, road and weather conditions permitting

Christmas Tree Cutting Map.pdf

With Christmas just around the corner, many families are looking forward to a traditional outing into the forest to find and cut their own very special Christmas Pine Tree.

The Christmas Tree Lot is a seasonal fundraiser for Junior Forest Wardens, an outdoor program for youth and their families. We will be running  our concession for the first time in 2 years! Permits will be provided by donation. 

Gate:  The gate to the parking lot will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays as noted above, road and weather conditions permitting. 

Permits:  Tree cutting permits will be available from a volunteer in our permit shack.  Each permit entitles you to one tree - Lodgepole Pine only.  Keep this Tree Cutting Permit with you while transporting your tree, as it is required to avoid potential fines. The permit is only good for Lodgepole Pine trees (with long 2” needles) within the boundaries of this particular tree lot area.

Note: Campfires are prohibited.   No rentals of saws or axes will be available. 

Directions:  From Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park, travel west on the Trans Canada (Hwy 1) for approximately 35 km.  Take the Hwy 68 exit (Sibbald Creek Trail) and head south for approximately 22 km to the Powderface Trail turnoff.  Turn left and head south on Powderface Trail for 2 km and you’ll reach the Christmas Tree Cutting Lot.  Watch for the JFW signs along the route! 

COVID-19 Restrictions: Please follow current Alberta guidelines.  AHS COVID Info for Albertans

Off Hours Visits:  If you can’t make it out on the above dates or times, or if the lot is not tended due to weather and/or road conditions, you are welcome to visit and cut a Lodgepole Pine tree at any time.  Please keep in mind that the lot is only staffed on weekends, and the gate may not be open. If you plan to arrive after 4:00 pm, you'll have to park outside of the gate as the gate will be closed & locked at 4:00 pm.

*Please note that, at our location, we cannot accept permits purchased in advance from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. They are for a different area and cover different species. Permits may be available for other areas of Alberta.  Contact your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office for more information.

Lodgepole Pine

More Information

If you have a question regarding the Christmas Tree Lot, more information is available on our FAQ link.

If you still have a question, send an e-mail to Tim Watts, President  of the Calgary JFW District, or phone  403-660-7619.

Check the local forecast before you head out!    

The Weather Network - Kananaskis

December Message from President Sandy Evans

On behalf of all of your Board, I want to wish you all the very best of the winter season.  I  hope that  you  are all able to embrace and enjoy this amazing time.   With the cold and longer nights we, like most of our natural world, create our own resilience by gathering together, being kind, working together and adapting to the conditions outside our doors.  Winter is very much a time to take time - to reflect, to prepare before going out, to create cozy spaces to return to, to rest (for some even hibernate), to rejuvenate, and to enjoy each others’ stories and wisdoms.  

One of my favourite  sayings in JFW (likely from Mors Kohanski) is that “there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing choices”.  With colder weather and unpredictable conditions, including covid, we need to be especially vigilant that we are providing activities for our wardens that are safe and respectful (of nature and each other).    We  don’t need to  hibernate, but we do need to make good preparation and choices when we head out and when we  gather.  What a great thing to teach our children. 

For the Board, the scurry of Fall work is nearly complete.  We are working through the last of the registrations and are  just waiting for results on a few vulnerable sector checks.  We very much appreciate the diligence of those making sure all of our adult members, as volunteers who connect with wardens, are all vetted.  Thank you for your patience and good communication  with this task.  It has certainly been a different year with many delays beyond our control, and a lot of learning for those of us in new roles.  

We have some new directors including a recent graduate, and a new Secretary!  I would like to thank you all for stepping forward to represent the members in your regions to guide JFW into the year ahead.  And a special thank you and welcome to Debra Wathen, our new secretary, who is stepping into a significant role within the first few years with us.  This is possible with the support of two of our past secretaries generously sharing their experience.  The depth of experience in our membership is really strong.  At all levels from activity and group leaders, club exec, regional councils to the board, we need to foster new leaders, share our stories and experience so that we can continue the incredible knowledge we have built over the past 90 plus years.   

Happy Holidays and Winter celebrations to you all!

Sandy

AJFWA President

2021 Christmas Tree Lot

 

2021 JUNIOR FOREST WARDENS

CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING LOT 

Saturdays and Sundays only from November 27 - December 19, 2021

Christmas Tree Cutting Map.pdf

With Christmas just around the corner, many families are looking forward to a traditional outing into the forest to find and cut their own very special Christmas Pine Tree.

The Christmas Tree Lot is a seasonal fundraiser for Junior Forest Wardens, an outdoor program for youth and their families.. On November 26, 2020, the Government of Alberta removed the $5 permit fee. With the removal of the permit fee and because we cannot operate our traditional concession fundraiser during COVD-19, any donations to our program will be graciously accepted.

The gate to the parking lot will be open from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays as noted above, road and weather conditions permitting. Tree cutting permits will be available from our volunteer in our permit shack. 

Each permit entitles you to one tree - Lodgepole Pine only. Keep this Tree Cutting Permit with you while transporting your tree, as it is required to avoid potential fines. The permit is only good for Lodgepole Pine trees (with long 2” needles) within the boundaries of this particular tree lot area.

Directions:  From Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park, travel west on the Trans Canada (Hwy 1) for approximately 35 km.  Take the Hwy 68 exit (Sibbald Creek Trail) and head south for approximately 22 km to the Powderface Trail turnoff.  Turn left and head south on Powderface Trail for 2 km and you’ll reach the Christmas Tree Cutting Lot.  Watch for the JFW signs along the route! 

COVID-19 Restrictions: Please note that this year there will also be no food concession, and campfires are prohibited. There will be no rentals of saws or axes available.  

So, please bring your own preferred food and drink, and enjoy the outdoors with your family.  Hopefully, we’re back to normal operations next year.  We’d love to meet you all and sit by the fire with hot chocolate again!

Off Hours Visits:  If you can’t make it out on the above dates or times, or if the lot is not manned due to weather and/or road conditions, you are welcome to visit and cut a Lodgepole Pine tree at any other time. Please keep in mind that the lot is only staffed on weekends, and the gate may not be open. If you plan to arrive after 4:00 pm, you'll have to park outside of the gate as the gate will be closed & locked at 4:00 pm.

*Please note that, at our location, we cannot accept permits purchased in advance from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. They are for a different area and cover different species. Permits may be available for other areas of Alberta.  Contact your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office for more information.

More Information

If you have a question regarding the Christmas Tree Lot, more information is available at these links;   FAQs

If you still have a question, send an e-mail to the 2021 President  of the Calgary District  Tim Watts or phone at:  403-660-7619

Check the local forecast before you head out!     The Weather Network - Kananaskis

Update - 2020 Christmas Tree Lot

 

2020 JUNIOR FOREST WARDENS

CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING LOT 

Saturdays and Sundays only from November 28 - December 20, 2020

Our Tree Lot will be self-service this year

Christmas Tree Cutting Map.pdf

With Christmas just around the corner, many families are looking forward to a traditional outing into the forest to find and cut their own very special Christmas Pine Tree.

UPDATE Nov. 26, 2020

The Christmas Tree Lot is a seasonal fundraiser for Junior Forest Wardens, an outdoor program for youth and their families. Permit sales from the JFW Christmas Tree Lot support our program. On November 26, 2020, the Government of Alberta removed the $5 permit fee. With the removal of the permit fee and because we cannot operate our traditional concession fundraiser during COVD-19, any donations to our program will be graciously accepted.

Due to Covid-19 related restrictions, the Christmas Tree Cutting Lot will operate on a self-serve basis for 2020. The gate to the parking lot will be open from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays as noted above, road and weather conditions permitting. Tree cutting permits will be available in the Mail Box on our permit shack.

Each permit entitles you to one tree - Lodgepole Pine only, maximum 3 permits/trees per person. Keep this Tree Cutting Permit with you while transporting your tree, as it is required to avoid potential fines. The permit is only good for Lodgepole Pine trees (with long 2” needles) within the boundaries of this particular tree lot area.

Directions:  From Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park, travel west on the Trans Canada (Hwy 1) for approximately 35 km.  Take the Hwy 68 exit (Sibbald Creek Trail) and head south for approximately 22 km to the Powderface Trail turnoff.  Turn left and head south on Powderface Trail for 2 km and you’ll reach the Christmas Tree Cutting Lot.  Watch for the JFW signs along the route! 

Covid 19 Restrictions: Covid 19 Restrictions: As noted we will operate in a self-service mode this year.  This means there will be no assistance available for loading or tying down trees.  There will also be no food concession, and campfires are prohibited. There will be no rentals of saws or axes available.  

So please bring your own preferred food and drink, and enjoy the outdoors with your family.  Hopefully we’re back to normal operations next year, we’d love to meet you all and sit by the fire with hot chocolate again!

Off Hours Visits: Off Hours Visits: If you can’t make it out on the above dates or times, or if the lot is not manned due to weather and/or road conditions, you are welcome to visit and cut a Lodgepole Pine tree at any other time. Please keep in mind that the lot is not staffed except on weekends, and the gate may not be open. If you plan to arrive after 3:00 pm, please be advised that you'll have to park outside of the gate as the gate will be closed & locked at 3:30 pm.

*Please note that at our location, we cannot accept permits purchased in advance from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. They are for a different area and cover different species. Permits may be available for other areas of Alberta. Please contact your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office for more information.

More Information

If you have a question regarding the Christmas Tree Lot, more information is available at these links;   FAQs

Note some of the FAQ responses may not be applicable in 2020 due to Covid restrictions, since no staff will be on-site

If you still have a question, send an e-mail to the   2020 Coordinator (Mike Brown, Bragg Creek)

Check the local forecast before you head out!     The Weather Network - Kananaskis

Calgary Christmas Tree Lot

Cut your own Christmas Tree!

2019 JUNIOR FOREST WARDENS

CHRISTMAS TREE CUTTING LOT

Saturdays and Sundays only from November 30 - December 22, 2019

Lot is staffed from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm by JFW club members, road and weather conditions permitting

Christmas Tree Cutting Map.pdf

With Christmas just around the corner, many families are looking forward to a traditional outing into the forest to find and cut their own very special Christmas Pine Tree.

Directions:  From Calgary’s Canada Olympic Park, travel west on the Trans Canada (Hwy 1) for approximately 35 km.  Take the Hwy 68 exit (Sibbald Creek Trail) and head south for approximately 22 km to the Powderface Trail turnoff.  Turn left and head south on Powderface Trail for 2 km and you’ll reach the Christmas Tree Cutting Lot.  Watch for the JFW signs along the route! 

Off Hours Visits:  If you can’t make it out on the above dates or times, or if the lot is not manned due to weather and/or road conditions, you are welcome to visit and cut a Lodgepole Pine tree at any other time. Please keep in mind that the lot is not staffed except on weekends, and the gate may not be open. If you plan to arrive after 3:00 pm, please be advised that you'll have to park outside of the gate as the gate will be closed & locked at 3:30 pm.  Just enclose your payment (cash or cheque) in an envelope provided on site in the mailbox, and drop it into the mail slot at the shack. Cheques should be made payable to “Calgary Junior Forest Warden Society”.

Lodgepole Pine

Cost: $5.00 per permit, cash or cheque.

  

Each permit entitles you to one tree - Lodgepole Pine only, 

Maximium 3 permits/trees per person.  

Ask about a demo of how to make two trees into one very FULL tree.

*Please note that at our location, we cannot accept permits purchased in advance from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. They are for a different area and cover different species. Permits may be available for other areas of Alberta. Please contact your local Alberta Agriculture and Forestry office for more information. 

If you have a question regarding the Christmas Tree Lot, more information is available at these links:

·         FAQs

·         General Information from the Calgary Junior Forest Warden Society

·         What a Lodgepole Pine looks like

 More questions?  Send an e-mail to the 2019 Coordinator (Rick Robinson, Calgary Eagles)

Check the local forecast before you head out!    The Weather Network - Kananaskis

Lot Schedule:

Saturday November 30	Hosted by: Calgary Eagles
Sunday December 1	Hosted by: Airdrie Hawks
Saturday December 7	Hosted by: Wolves
Sunday December 8	Hosted by: Bobcats
Saturday December 14	Hosted by: Black Bears
Sunday December 15	Hosted by: Bragg Creek
Saturday December 21	Hosted by: Sarcee
Sunday December 22	Hosted by: CJFWS (hosted by Bobcats)
December 25	Merry Christmas to One and All!

Stettler Swift Fox Wreath Making

Stettler Swift Fox JFW had fun last night making wreaths using branches from a downed tree.

Click to see more photos