Rob Paulus rides a tractor with a dog next to him. (Courtesy photo)
Rob Paulus is donating trees for the Christmas tree fundraiser. (Courtesy photo)

Sustainably harvested white and red silver-tipped fir trees from Northern California will be for sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1 during Christmas On The Ranch at Farm Supply Company, 700 McMurray Road, Buellton).

Proceeds from the Christmas tree fundraiser will support Students for Eco-Education and Agriculture (SEEAG) agriculture education and healthy eating programs for kids in Santa Barbara County.

The hand-harvested trees, which are 6-10 feet tall, were donated by Rob Paulus, a retired Cal Fire battalion chief, and father of SEEAG executive director Caitlin Paulus-Case, to support SEEAG and its ag-education efforts.

Paulus owns a 60-acre parcel of private land that is 6,400 feet in altitude in the northern Sierra Nevada mountain range. “Growing up, it was my favorite spot on Earth,” said Paulus-Case. “The trees truly remind me of the spirit of Christmas.”

By harvesting trees from their private land, the Paulus family work to thin overgrown forest stands, reduce catastrophic fire risk, and help restore the natural environment.

“The trees are harvested in late November, so they are fresher than any tree you’ll find on a typical lot,” Paulus said. “Since they aren’t grown on a tree farm, they carry the unique story of the forest in their beautiful imperfections.”

The cost is $200 per tree and for each tree sold, a matching $250 will be donated by SEEAG Board members Steve Gill, Chris Waldron and Patrick Sheehy.

“The $450 combined tree donation enables 10 local students to take part in one of our agricultural and healthy eating programs at no cost,” said Paulus-Case.

SEEAG will also donate a tree, stand, decorations and a small gift to Alice Shaw Elementary School in Orcutt and Battles Elementary School in Santa Maria. The schools will select which student will receive the donated tree and items.

SEEAG is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, so tree purchases are tax-deductible. Trees can be pre-ordered at https://www.seeag.org/christmas-at-the-ranch.

For questions about delivery, call 805-892-8155 or email info@seeag.org.