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Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Call On Idahoans To Make 10,000 Homemade Christmas Ornaments That Go “Over The Rivers And Through The Woods”
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests are calling on Idahoans—and all Americans—to flex their crating skills for the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. This is the first time in the fifty-six year history of the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree that North Idaho has provided the tree and the forests are seeking trees that uniquely reflect the forests and its local communities
“This tree is not just representing Idaho, but the United States on its 250th anniversary,” said Forest Supervisor Jon Word. . It will show the nation North Central Idaho’s beauty, abundance, resources, and recreational opportunities. “It will reflect the spirit of North Central Idaho from the incredible landscapes, to the history of local communities, and the Nez Perce Tribe. We are seeking ornaments that reflect a sense of place that represent all that Idaho has to offer to share with the American people.”
This year’s theme is “Over The Rivers and Through The Woods,” which suggests a journey through a rugged, unified landscape, and a sense of home. The Forest Service is calling on Idahoans to craft thousands of handmade ornaments to decorate the Capitol Christmas Tree and accompanying smaller trees that reflect this theme. This includes 3,500 brightly-colored ornaments, nine to twelve inches in size, that are weatherproof to withstand wind, rain, and snow. An additional 6,500 smaller ornaments, four to ten inches in size, will adorn the indoor trees and don’t need to be weatherproof.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater and partners will host ornament-making events throughout the year, including a weekly session from 1-4 PM on Fridays at the Forest Supervisor’s Office in Kamiah and from 10-2PM at the Kooskia Farmers Market. Look for an event or craft and submit an ornament on your own. The U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree features ornament examples and how-to guides. Ideas for interpreting the 2026 theme include:
• Uniquely Idaho—Capture the spirit of our state with Idaho icons like pack mules and smokejumpers
• Iconic landscapes and special places in North Idaho, like Hells Canyon or the Gospel Hump
• Multiple use and how North Idahoans enjoy their public lands, like side-by-sides, skiing, and rafting
• The wild plants, animals, and geology of Idaho, like huckleberries, monarch butterflies, and state symbols like the Star Garnet, Idaho’s state gem.
• Forest Service Icons like Smokey Bear and Woodsy Ow
Create your ornament using natural, recyclable, and repurposed materials. Don’t use sharp materials that could pose a danger or interfere with tree lighting. Ornaments may not include commercial logos, personal names, religious symbols, or be divisive or offensive. Ornaments cannot be returned.
The deadline to submit ornaments is September 1, 2026. Drop them off at any Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests Office or mail them to:
2026 Capitol Christmas Tree Ornaments
1008 Highway 64
Kamiah, ID 83536
The Forest is also looking for surplus crafting, sewing, and clean recyclable materials that can be used to make ornaments at events across the state. Drop off materials at any Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests office.
Contact Kayti Bauer at Kayti.bauer@usda.gov for additional information about creating U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree ornaments and how your group or community can get involved.
The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests has partnered with the Society of American Foresters, a non-profit organization that will assist in a year-long education campaign about the multiple-use mission of the Forest Service and the 2026 U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. The initiative is made possible with support from various partners with cash and in-kind contributions from companies large and small, along with vital support from volunteers locally and across America.