215News
Natalie Shannon has a big task.
Shannon, a forestry technician with the U.S. Forestry Service, is helping gather 10,000 hand-made Christmas ornaments that will be shipped to Washington D.C. and displayed on the trees at the West Capital Lawn as part of the 2025 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project.
“Our theme is ‘Starry Skies to Neon Lights: Spirit of the Silver State’ because it captures the essence of Nevada, from quiet rural towns to the glowing skylines of Las Vegas and Reno. It celebrates the rugged beauty of Nevada’s public lands and the vibrant communities that surround them.”
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree Project dates back to 1970 for Forest Service involvement. The tradition of the “People’s Tree” was started in 1964 when Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives John W. McCormack placed a live Christmas tree on the Capitol lawn.
That tree lived for three years before succumbing to wind and root damage. That’s when, in 1970, the Capitol Architect asked the USDA Forest Service to provide a Christmas Tree. Since then, a different National Forest has been chosen annually to provide the People’s Tree.
This is the first year it’s coming from Nevada.
Shannon was at Mountain Crest Park on Aug. 9 as part of Commissioner April Becker’s Back to School event helping kids create ornaments for the tree.
“Part of the fun of this project is the public engagement factor,” she said. “We want to include as many people from Nevada in this project to make connections, celebrate our National Forest, and show everyone via the Christmas tree what Nevada means to them.”
Shannon said all the Forest Service districts have been engaging with the community to create ornaments.
Ornaments must be completed by Sept. 15. Those who still wish to create ornaments can drop them off at the local office, 4701 N. Torrey Pines Drive. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The tree will be toured around the state before heading to Washington D.C.
“ It is a huge honor to be a part of this project,” Shannon said. “I’ve loved connecting with our community so much and bringing Christmas to June, July and August. Being able to see people’s generosity in donating time, space, supplies and creativity has been an amazing addition to the excitement of providing and decorating the tree.
“This hasn’t been only with ornaments. We’ve also had community groups, tribes and schools helping to make tree skirts. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree program wouldn’t be possible without so much help from our communities. I feel like I can speak for all of us working on this project when I say, thank you and we appreciate you.”