If you’re looking for an environmentally friendly way to get rid of your old Christmas tree and an excuse to go down the Shore, you’re in luck.

Island Beach State Park is accepting Christmas trees — free of ornaments, lights and other decorations — on Jan. 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the A-23 parking lot.

The old timber will protect the sands from erosion, and you’ll also avoid having to drag your tree to the side of the road, hoping it gets picked up.

Trees at the Shore can aid and improve the dune systems on the beaches by forming sand and soil erosion barriers, capturing sand that is pushed by northeasterly winds, staff said.

Staff will be onsite to help those donating their trees. For further information about the collection, contact Island Beach Nature Programs at 732-793-1315.

Sophie Nieto-Munoz may be reached at snietomunoz@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her at @snietomunoz. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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