Tree-Cycling

RIO RANCHO, NM - After the holiday season, Rio Rancho residents will be able to have cut Christmas trees recycled courtesy of PNM and the city's Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful Division (KRRB) starting December 26, 2007 through January 14, 2008.

Cut trees that have had all decorations, tree spikes, and stands removed can be brought to the Rio Rancho Sports Complex located at 3501 High Resort Blvd. PNM will mulch trees and will provide free mulch to Rio Rancho residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

PNM urges residents to return Christmas trees back to the environment by recycling. Mulch generated from Christmas trees can be used to provide a better growing environment for plants, city parks, and home landscapes. Mulch helps retain moisture in soil, acts as an insulting blanket to protect soil against temperature extremes and reduces weed growth. Recycling Christmas trees allows the tree to complete its natural life-cycle by nurturing soil so other living things can grow.

For the past 15 years, PNM vegetation crews have donated their time for this annual event, one of the many ways the company demonstrates its support for the environment and works to improve the quality of life in New Mexico's communities.

KRRB is a division of the city's Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department. For more information call 896-8729 or visit the city's Web site (www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us) and look for KRRB's Kerby Coyote mascot icon and link.