Trim-A-Tree Project

The Zoological Society is thrilled to bring the community together to brighten up the holidays. More than 50 youth groups are invited to create ornaments and decorate trees inside the Zoo. You may see paper towel rolls turned into seals or popsicle sticks stuck together to make a walrus. The creativity of each child will impress and delight Zoo guests throughout the month of December.

Through the Trim-a-Tree Project, area youth groups register for a tree on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups are then assigned to a category and asked to make 60-70 ornaments based on their assigned category. Groups are then invited in, on a specific day, to trim their assigned tree with their handmade ornaments. Groups receive name recognition at the event, treats, and more!

Theme and Categories

This year’s theme aligns with the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Wild Lights event, powered by We Energies, starting Dec. 1. The categories coordinate with the different Wild Lights zones guests will see walking the 1-mile path inside the Zoo:

• aROARa
• ButterFLIGHT
• FantaSEA
• Flamingle all the Way
• Jungle Bells
• Polar Point
• Starry Safari
• Winter Woodland

Things to Note

• No more than 20 children can be assigned to decorate a single tree. If you have more than 20 children coming to decorate, please sign up for a 2^nd tree – 2 trees maximum per group.
• Spots are limited.
• Trees and/or category selection are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Tree sizes and shapes will vary.
• Garland, tree toppers and tree skirts are welcome. Please avoid using icicle tinsel, as it presents a hazard to wildlife.
• Trees will already have lights on them prior to decorating.
• Group leaders will receive an email within a few days of form submission confirming their theme.
• Once you receive your theme confirmation, you can start making ornaments! Please make at least 60 ornaments; the more the merrier!
• Some suggestions are listed, but you are welcome to make other ornaments that match your assigned theme.
• The Zoological Society will provide name recognition for your group on your decorated tree.

All spots for the 2023 project have been filled.
To be added to the notification list for next year, please submit this form.

You can visit the Fantastic Forest in the Zoo’s U.S. Bank Gathering Place, from Dec. 1 through Dec. 31. Enjoy the colors, animals and imagination child artists bring to each tree.