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Back Roads: A cut above
Originally published in the December 11, 2009, print edition.
The Land — Chuck and Kathy Parker of Cornerstone Pines have a clear vision for the 100 acres of wooded and rolling hills — with some 9,000 Christmas trees — they purchased near Grey Eagle two years ago.
“We want to give an opportunity to families to participate together in an enjoyable event,” Chuck said.
Starting in late-November and running through Christmas, the Parkers have an event for families who enjoy spending time in a rural setting. At the heart of it is the pleasure of walking, or riding on a hayrack or sleigh while looking for just the right pine, fir or spruce to cut and take home for decoration. In addition to choosing their tree, families can visit the gift shop, have a free drink of hot chocolate or apple cider, buy a Christmas wreath, visit Santa’s workshop, and even take a walk through the wooded property.
Although there are thousands of trees planted in blocks throughout the farm, there is still land available for more.
“There are native oak trees across the property,” Chuck said. “There are openings in the oaks. We want to plant in those openings and link them with wagon trails. Then we can take people out there, they can cut a tree, have a picnic, and we’ll loop back with the wagon and pick them up later.”
Chuck and Kathy are part of a Minnesota-wide industry convinced that the experience families have in choosing and cutting their own tree is one more people should seek out. There are roughly 40 Christmas tree farms across the state that are members of the Minnesota Christmas Tree Association.
Much of the MnCTA’s work is directed toward the careful planting and raising of high-quality trees. In recent years breeding programs have introduced new tree varieties, such as the Fraser-Balsam fir cross and the Koreana fir. Both are bred to keep their needles for a long time.
In addition to careful care and breeding, farmers across the state are working hard to enrich the experience of cutting your own tree. Santa makes frequent appearances to tree farms and many farms offer free saws, needle shaking, baling and hot drinks.
The Christmas Tree Growers have a list of farms at www.mncta.com. To learn about Cornerstone Pines log on to www.Cornerstonepineschristmastrees.com.
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