Bring your Christmas tree to Mulchfest, to benefit the goats at Norman J. Levy Park & Preserve

Ever wonder what the Norwegian Dwarf goat population at Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve eats?

Aside from all the weeds and plant life the goats freely feast on when they’re released into the park at night, one thing — common around the holidays — may be surprising to some Town of Hempstead residents.

Christmas trees, despite all their piney needles, are quite the delicacy for the goats, and this weekend, residents will have the opportunity to discard of their trees in a safe way, that will not only benefit the environment, but in some cases, give Levy Park’s only permanent residents a great meal, at the town’s annual Mulchfest.

“Residents in the town are great — we care about environment,” Supervisor Don Clavin said last week at a news conference in Levy Park. “Everyone cares. One of the great things that we’ve introduced in the last couple years is the Mulchfest.”

During Mulchfest, town residents are able to bring their old Christmas trees and cardboard boxes to be made into mulch that they are welcome to take home and use in their own gardens. The town said the mulch can be used for several purposes, including soil moisture and as a way to prevent week growth.

Surplus mulch will be used in various town parks for future planting and landscaping plans.

“We enjoy looking for new and creative initiatives that result in progression,” Clavin stated in a release to the Herald. “The commencement of this program took place two years ago, and its success has inspired us to bring Mulchfest back to the Town of Hempstead for a fun and organic way to repurpose Christmas trees.”

But this year, Clavin explained that the annual festivities would have an extra, special twist, that would directly benefit Levy Park in Merrick. The park boasts the highest summit on the South Shore of Long Island, and has picked up the local nickname of “Merrick Mountain.”

“Many people don’t know, but Levy preserve has some really fun stuff,” Clavin said. “It’s not only a great place to come walk and enjoy nature, but we have our Nigerian goats here.

“These goats are great,” he added. “They graze right here on the mountains. This year, we’re giving residents a choice. You can take the tree that you brought down, have it mulched and take it home, or you can donate right to our goats — they love these trees.”

Clavin also announced that Pasqaule Tuosto, owner of the grocery store Pat’s Farms, would be donating 20 trees, specifically for the goats to eat. The town said pine needles are safe for the goats to digest, and are a good source of vitamins.

Clavin said what he loves most about Mulchfest is seeing the positive reaction residents have. “It puts a smile on people’s faces,” he said. “You’re either going home with a smile knowing that your tree is now mulch and you’re taking it home, or you’re feeding the goats here, and that’s great.”

Mulchfest won’t be taking place in Merrick, but rather at Baldwin Park on Jan. 7 and 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. both days. Any residents who can’t attend next weekend are welcome to drop off their trees ahead of time, Clavin said. The park is located at 3232 Grand Ave., Baldwin.

“The Town of Hempstead proudly stands for greener and environmentally friendly programs,” Clavin stated. “We firmly believe in providing residents with the proper resources and programs to bring an abundance of benefits to the (town) — so bring your Christmas trees down to Baldwin Park and participate in the Mulchfestivities.”