By: | November 25, 2024 | Philanthropy | Colts Neck
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By Emma Sylvia
The Fir Farm, a staple in the Christmas tree business in Monmouth County and New Jersey as a whole, celebrates their eleventh year participating in Trees for Troops. Owned by brothers Bob and Mickey Clark for more than 20 years, the Fir Farm in Colts Neck has always aimed to celebrate the community, and especially give back to veterans during the holiday season.
Trees for Troops has been raising money and donating Christmas trees to veterans for two decades. Their mission is to provide a bit of the Christmas spirit for kids of military families and provide holiday cheer for those at military bases, both nationally and internationally.
“It’s a great organization that delivers real Christmas trees to families,” Bob Clark says.
He explains the process of donating a tree to a military family. “When people come out to the farm, they can buy a tree and fill out a personalized tag, like ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Thank you for your service,’ and attach it to the tree. That tree will be delivered to a family living on a base.” He elaborates that their trees usually remain in the United States, delivered by FedEx. FedEx drops off a massive trailer at The Fir Farm, which is loaded up over the course of a week before the trees are delivered.
When asked about the inspiration behind their partnership with Trees for Troops, Clark says it was obvious. “We have a Christmas tree farm. When we found out about it, it was a no brainer. Our dad was in the Navy. Anything to give back to a military family is something we want to be a part of.”
The sentimental nature of the nonprofit not only resonates with the Clark family, but with residents all over Monmouth County, as the program is extremely popular every year. “Even people that don’t buy their own tree, they want to donate one or a few trees. Even people who don’t celebrate Christmas will come on down.” Those that purchase or donate a tree at The Fir Farm also get their picture taken in front of their iconic, big red barn. Happy to keep with tradition, the Clarks say that as long as The Fir Farm stands, they’ll be celebrating the holidays with Trees for Troops every year.
Christmas trees aren’t the only things that The Fir Farm is known for. They also offer their renowned honey, organically made from their own bees that they keep on the farm. Two years ago, their dark honey placed second for all of North America in the biggest international blind-tasting contest. The Fir Farm was the only farm or business from New Jersey that placed that year. All of the honey is wildflower that is harvested throughout the season, its organic nature providing many different shades, colors, and flavors. “It’s all natural,” Clark says.
The Fir Farm is also the largest commercial hop farm in New Jersey. “We’ve worked with over 20 breweries and a couple distilleries. We’ve made some tasty seasonal beers with our hops over the years.” They also grow plenty of elderberries, as well as grapes, Harrison apples, and barley. All products on The Fir Farm are grown organically on-site. “It’s gonna be amazing,” Clark says in anticipation of 2025, eager for their barley crop to grow for brewing.
The Fir Farm is generally open most sunny days 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. for honey (also by appointment). Christmas tree hours are Friday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., and Monday-Thursday, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m.
For more information, head to Instagram @thefirfarm, and facebook.com/TheFirFarm/. Visit them at 166 Hillsdale Road, Colts Neck, NJ.
