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Highland County red spruce delivered to Washington for national Christmas tree honor

Crystal Graham
highland red spruce national christmas tree
Photo by Forest Service

A 32-foot red spruce tree has been delivered to the White House by the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.

The national Christmas tree was provided from the mountains of Highland County and was selected by the James River and Warm Springs Ranger District.

This marks the third year the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and National Park Service have partnered to provide the tree and the second year for the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest.

The Monongahela National Forest from nearby West Virginia provided the 2023 tree.

“We are incredibly honored to once again provide the national Christmas tree to the White House as a symbol of hope and unity during the holiday season,” said Job Timm, forest supervisor .

“This beautiful 32-foot red spruce is uniquely special to central Appalachia as a testament to the resilience and adaptability to the communities we serve.”

The tree is located on the Ellipse at The White House and President’s Park and can be viewed by the public beginning Dec. 6. The lighting ceremony will take place on Dec. 4.

The tradition dates back to 1923.

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Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, Crystal Graham has worked for 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of "Virginia Tonight," a nightly TV news show, both broadcast on PBS. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television. You can reach her at [email protected]