The Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) is helping bring the spirit of Christmas to American service members stationed overseas through Operation Evergreen, now celebrating its 31st year of spreading holiday cheer.

Each year, ODA partners with the Ohio Christmas Tree Association (OCTA) to ship Ohio-grown Christmas trees, homemade decorations, and handwritten holiday cards to military personnel serving far from home during the holiday season. This year, approximately 50 Christmas trees will be sent to troops stationed in Jordan.

The Operation Evergreen tag is added to all Christmas trees.

"Our nation's bravest deserve the very best, and Ohio Christmas trees provide exactly that," said ODA Director Brian Baldridge. "We hope these pieces of home bring joy to our service members and let them know Ohioans across the state are thinking of them. We also appreciate the contributions from our farmers and growers, who work in snow, rain, and you name it to produce not just beautiful Christmas trees, but the food that fills our tables during the holidays and every day."

Ohio Christmas tree growers from across the state donate trees for Operation Evergreen, demonstrating their commitment to supporting military families and communities. The annual event is held on ODA's Reynoldsburg campus, where Plant Health inspectors carefully inspect each tree for pests and diseases before issuing phytosanitary certificates required for international shipment. Volunteers and local students then help wrap and package the trees for their journey overseas.

Ohio Christmas Tree Association Volunteers

Decorations included with the trees are handmade and donated by local schools, churches, veterans' organizations, and community groups throughout Ohio.

The Ohio Christmas Tree Association, made up of Christmas tree growers from across the state, has delivered Christmas trees to Ohio troops stationed overseas since 1995. Operation Evergreen is sponsored by OCTA.

Find a Christmas tree farm near you

In addition to supporting military members, the holiday season is an opportunity to recognize Ohio's Christmas tree growers and the important role they play in the state's agricultural community. Ohio is home to nearly 800 Christmas tree farms, according to the USDA Census of Agriculture, that provide families with fresh, locally grown trees while supporting local economies and preserving green space throughout the state.

Choosing a real Christmas tree offers several benefits. Christmas tree farms provide wildlife habitat, improve air quality, and help conserve land. Purchasing a real tree also supports Ohio farm families and helps keep holiday spending within local communities.

As Ohio families prepare for the holidays, ODA encourages residents to consider visiting a local Christmas tree farm and supporting the growers who make traditions like Operation Evergreen possible.

Student volunteers package ornaments and crafts to accompany Christmas trees.