U of I brings forestry science to Capitol Christmas Tree stop in Moscow
Free activities Oct. 31 let community members explore forest science and the technology used to care for Idaho’s forests
October 28, 2026
MOSCOW, Idaho — One of the country’s most recognizable holiday traditions is making a stop in Moscow. The 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree will visit downtown Moscow on Saturday, Oct. 31, giving community members an opportunity to see the tree up close before it continues its journey to Washington, D.C.
The public is invited to visit the free Whistlestop Tour stop from 10 a.m. to noon at 102 S. Main St., Moscow.
University of Idaho’s College of Natural Resources, a bronze sponsor of this year’s U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project, will be on hand with interactive forestry activities, including demonstrations of lidar, a technology that uses lasers to measure and map forests. Community members can learn more about forests, natural resource management and the technology used to understand and care for forested landscapes. The activities offer a glimpse of the hands-on learning students experience in U of I’s forestry degree program.
“This is a fun opportunity to bring a little of Idaho’s forestry story into the heart of our community,” said Dennis Becker, dean of the College of Natural Resources. “We’re excited to give people a chance to explore some of the science and technology behind forest management while celebrating a pretty extraordinary Idaho tradition.”
The 2026 tree is a 76-foot Engelmann spruce harvested from the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests. It will travel nearly 3,000 miles from Idaho to the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, making community stops along the way. The tree will be decorated with handmade ornaments created by Idaho residents and be displayed at the Capitol during the holiday season.
The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree project is a longstanding tradition that brings communities together to celebrate the nation’s forests, forestry professionals and the people who care for these natural resources.
Explore an interactive digital rendering of the tree at digitalforestlab.org.
For more information about the tour, visit uscapitolchristmastree.com.
Media contact
Danae Lenz
External communications coordinator
208-885-1605
dlenz@uidaho.edu