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Goats will take your trees

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Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014 5:06 PM
Molly the donkey looks at what is left of a Christmas tree last year donated to Sarah Syverson in Mancos. Syverson said she would gladly take more trees for her donkey and goats this year.
Sarah Syverson said her goats would love to recycle your chemical-free Christmas tree.

It is true what they say - goats really will eat anything.

And Sarah Syverson of Mancos is hoping her goats can take a crack at your Christmas trees.

If you don't know what to do with your Christmas tree this year once the lights and ornaments come down, think of Molly the mule, and Grace, Maisy, Nora and Carmelina the goats.

"They love it," Syverson said. "They eat the pine needles and the bark, nearly everything."

In fact, Syverson said she stockpiled about five Christmas trees last year and tossed one out to her animals once a week, and she was surprised at how they devoured the tree.

"I came outside, and there was just this stick left in their pen," she said.

Which then she promptly cut up and used for fire wood.

The trees, Syverson said, a very high in vitamin C and a natural dewormer.

The trees have to be free of chemicals and pesticides, Syverson said. She asked that anyone wishing to get rid of a tree to drop it off at 40160 Road J in Mancos, and to call 970-903-8831 with questions.

Syverson said to be sure there is no tinsel on the trees.

Syverson said her donkeys and goats did well after eating the trees, but cautioned others to check with their veterinarians before feeding them to their animals.

Grant Curry, who lives on the west side of Cortez, also is willing to take Christmas trees for his goats. Call Curry at 769-1351.

Curry and his wife have a farm with goats, and Curry runs the Permaculture Provision Project.

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