Historic Photograph: Conservation for Christmas

Christmas is upon us here in Oklahoma. Conservation has long played a role in how we celebrate the holiday. These 1956 photos from the Arkansas-Verdigris Soil Conservation District show how reclaimed land was used to grow Loblolly pines harvested for Christmas trees.

Loblolly pine on strip mine spots planted by hand in 1948. Harvested for Christmas trees three years after planting. “The second and third crop tree has been harvested from many of the original plants, by proper management as worked out by SCS technicians. This stripped land is producing over $50.00 per acre per year in the sale of Christmas trees.” Taken May 18, 1956 in Wagoner County, Oklahoma, Arkansas-Verdigris Soil Conservation District. Original USDA-SCS Photo by John McConnell.

“Close up of management and harvest of loblolly pine for Christmas trees being grown on strip mine spoil area near Broken Arrow. Shows stumps where 3 Christmas trees have been harvested without killing the stump. This is part of the conservation plan with the District as worked out by the Soil Conservation Service technicians.” Photo taken May 18, 1956 near Tulsa, Oklahoma. Original 4x5 USDA-SCS Photo by John McConnell