Agriculture Secretary and Christmas Tree Farm Owner Present Wellness Tree to Annapolis-based Cancer Support Group

Local Trees are Symbols for Healing the Economy, Environment and Wellness House Families

ANNAPOLIS, MD (Nov. 30, 2009) –  Maryland Agriculture Secretary Buddy Hance joined Mas-Que Christmas Tree Farm and Plantation owner, Commander Robert Giffen, USN (Ret.) today to present a freshly cut evergreen tree to the Wellness House of Annapolis, a cancer support facility located on the grounds of the historic farm.  Jeff McKnight, executive director of the Wellness House of Annapolis, accepted the “Wellness Tree” – a symbol for the season and for healing during difficult times.  The tree will be on display at the house and decorated by volunteers and families supported by the organization.

“I am honored to take part in the presentation of a locally grown Christmas tree to an organization doing such important work in the community,” said Sec. Hance.  “We hope to highlight the importance of buying local trees for the holidays because of its positive impact on the local economy, the health of our environment, and on the spirits of those who enjoy the sight and smell of a fresh tree this time of year.”

Mas-Que Christmas Tree Farm and Plantation is one of the last remaining farms in and around Annapolis. Purchased in the 1930s by Commander Giffen’s grandfather, Vice-Admiral “Ike” Giffen, the land is now home to the Chesapeake Dressage Institute, the Christmas tree farm, and the Wellness House of Annapolis.  The farm, located off of Spa Road, is a hidden gem in Annapolis and is known locally as a place for families to choose and cut their own Christmas tree each year.

“This donation is an extension of our public service through the Navy, our history with the family farm and our memories of the holidays here with our grandparents,” said Commander Giffen, who also runs Fly-Bye Goose Control services.

“The Wellness House of Annapolis is very grateful for this holiday donation to our organization and the individuals and families who are supported by our facility,” stated Mr. McKnight. “It is also appropriate that the evergreen tree is a symbol of supporting the sustainable health and wellness of Maryland’s economy.”

Wellness House of Annapolis is a 501(c)(3)nonprofit organization offering services and programs to assist those living with cancer and their loved ones, including children. Wellness House of Annapolis is a support facility designed to be a home-like setting and a gathering place separate from clinical environments. Working in collaboration with area hospitals, our volunteer staff includes medical and counseling professionals and cancer survivors. All services are free and open to anyone who has been affected by cancer, and funded by community volunteer support and donations.

For more information on the Wellness House, log onto http://annapoliswellnesshouse.com/ or call 410-990-0941.  To find a nearby Maryland Christmas tree farm, visit www.MarylandsBest.net. Mas-Que Christmas Tree Farm is located at 2659 Mas-Que Farm Road, Annapolis (off of Spa Road) and opens for the season on Dec. 5.
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The Maryland Department of Agriculture’s Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Fresh, Locally Grown Christmas Tree

10. While they’re growing, real Christmas trees absorb carbon dioxide and other gases and emit fresh oxygen, unlike artificial trees which are petroleum-based.

9. A real Christmas tree is biodegradable, which means it can be easily reused or recycled for mulch and other purposes, whereas an artificial tree is only used for six to nine years before it is thrown away, remaining in a landfill for many years.

8. Christmas trees can be recycled in a variety of ways, including local government programs to chip them into mulch that returns valuable nutrients to the soil.

7. The farms that grow Christmas trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies and provide wildlife habitat while creating scenic green belts.

6. When growing in open space, a 3” in diameter Douglas-fir tree can reduce atmospheric carbon by 23 pounds and intercept 102 gallons of stormwater runoff per year (Davey.com tree calculator).

5. Christmas tree growers plant 1-3 new seedlings for every tree they harvest, rarely using fertilizer after planting.

4. When you buy directly from a farmer, that dollar will circulate through the local economy four times, strengthening our communities.

3. When farmers are profitable, they are able to stay on the land, keeping it open and productive for the benefit of all.

2. Evergreen trees look and smell wonderful and are part of a sentimental American tradition.

1.Visiting a tree farm is great holiday fun for the entire family.

One more reason: Buying a real, fresh, local tree makes us smart, green and growing.

Maryland Christmas Tree Facts

•    According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture for Maryland, there are more than 200 Christmas tree growers in the state with nearly 3,000 acres in production.  About 50 growers are members of the Maryland Christmas Tree Association.
•    Tree planting, shearing and mowing can take up to 65 hours a week, 52 weeks a year.
•    The popular Fraser Fir does not always fare well in Maryland soils, but the Canaan is similarly beautiful and grown more easily and in more locations throughout the state. Other tree varieties grown in Maryland include:  Douglas-fir, Concolor Fir, Scotch Pine, White Pine, and Blue Spruce.
•    It can take as many as 15 years to grow a tree of typical height (6 – 7 feet) or as little as four years, but the average growing time is seven years.

Otherwise Un-Cited Sources: National Christmas Tree Association (www.marylandchristmastrees.org) and Maryland Christmas Tree Growers Association (www.marylandchristmastrees.org).