Almost every year since the mid-90’s, Nome residents like Charlie Lean have propped up their discarded Christmas trees into augered-out holes in the sea ice, creating what is affectionately known as the Nome National Forest. It’s ironic, considering the land around Nome is known for its spongy tundra interrupted only by the occasional willow grove.
Charlie Lean’s daughter, Reba Lean, said setting up the Nome National Forest is something her father looks forward to every year.
“He’s really taken it under his wing, and I think he just likes the quirkiness of it, and knows that it’s fun for visitors and around Iditarod time,” Reba Lean said.
Locals create an even spread of holes in the ice so the forest looks prominent from town a hundred yards away. Then they douse the tree trunks in water to freeze and lock them in place. Additionally an assortment of wooden signs resembling animals like seals, moose and a dog team is spread around the forest.
This year, new signs were crafted by the Nome Rotary Club. They’re replacements for signs used in the Nome National Forest in year’s past, but floated out to sea last year following the surprise February ice breakup.
The Nome National Forest is open to visitors now until late winter.
