Nyack Neighbors Give Christmas Trees To School Farm Animals: Photos

NYACK, NY — After Christmas, a private school in Upper Nyack with a small farm has started a tradition with the generous cooperation of the neighbors.

Three years ago, in a simple Facebook post, the Summit School at Nyack asked members of the community to donate their leftover Christmas trees, a little request that received a big response.

"The residents within the village and surrounding towns are so gracious with providing leftover Christmas trees which the Summit School farm animals really enjoy," Animal Coordinator Damon Fischetti told Patch.

Discarded pine trees are not only a tasty treat, they are actually beneficial for the goats’ and pigs' health, helping to prevent parasites and providing a good source of vitamin C, Animal Coordinator, Anna Sicari said on the school's website. Plus, the chickens use the old trees for shelter from rain and sun, and just to play.

This is a great way for the animals who munch on pine twigs to substitute a lot of the nutrients that they normally get from trees that are bare in winter, Sicari and Fischetti said.

See the happy face on Eleanor Pigby:

The animals help with the donations.

A Summit School Farm resident got a chance to be on TV:

At the Summit School, students enjoy a multi-faceted learning and therapeutic experience. The school has both day and residential programs. Its program Pets for Purpose gives the children opportunities to care for animals, take on responsibilities, and spend time outdoors.