By Kate Bartlett
‘Tis the season to be festive, and nothing quite sets the scene for Christmas like a visit to a local Christmas tree farm. Eagan’s Regal Evergreens in Eden is celebrating their first season open to the general public, and invites everyone out to create lasting treasured memories.
The Eagan Family first hatched the idea for a Christmas tree farm about 9 years ago during a casual family conversation. “It was really the kid’s idea,” says Gregg Eagan, part-owner and operator of the farm. “I grew up on this farm, as it was my grandmothers, and I always wanted it to stay in the family. When she passed, we purchased the property, and were brainstorming ideas on what we could do with the land. The kids thought it’d be fun to start a Christmas tree farm, so we did.”
That spring, the Eagan family, Gregg and his wife Sheila along with their 5 children (Dwight, Adele, Chase, Lincoln and Aubrey) bought about 500 seedlings, and the whole family chipped in to help plant, digging all by shovel. “We learned as we went,” says Dwight. “It was hard work, and it still is, but we enjoy it and we do it together. It’s rewarding work.”
The farm now offers 9 varieties of Evergreen trees on their 50-acre farm, including Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Fraser Fir, Black Hill Spruce, Balsam Fir, Blue Spruce, Norway Spruce, Douglas Fir and White Pine. Most trees are planted around 4 years old, and take about 8 years to mature from planting. “If you’re looking at a 6- or 7-foot-tall tree, it’s probably about 12 years old,” says Gregg. Some of the first trees the Eagan family planted are now their best trees.
The Eagan’s have sold to family and friends over the past few years, but are open to the general public for the first time this year. “It’s very exciting to share this with everyone,” says Dwight. “It’s been a lot of work, but these moments during our opening weekend have been so fulfilling. We’re so honored to be a part of people’s family traditions, and we don’t take that for granted.”
The farm is located at 1915 Eden Evans Center Road in Eden NY, just off exit 57A of the NYS-Thruway (I-90), only a short drive from Buffalo and surrounding areas. In addition to over 13,000 trees, the farm also offers a few other farm experiences, including a flock of sheep, cows, turkeys and their friendly farm dog. “Our guests can expect a full farm experience,” says Dwight. “Our whole family is on site to help assist as needed, whether it be guiding to find the right tree, cutting the tree, or getting it on your car; we’re here to help you with whatever you might need.”
Gregg always hoped his grandmother’s property would stay in the family, and is grateful to see it evolve into what it’s become. “I’m so proud to be here, operating this Tree Farm with my family,” says Gregg. “It’s hard labor, but it’s a family-centered activity.” He’s also honored that his son, Lincoln, along with his girlfriend Sheridan Forster, live on the property, keeping family tradition alive. “It was always my wish that one of my children would keep this farm running, and I’m so proud that Lincoln is doing that. He’s in school to become a veterinarian, all while farming and raising animals on the property.”
Eagan’s Tree Farm is a family farm in every sense. “We are family owned and operated, and we’re here on the farm to help your family have a great experience, find the right tree, and make holiday memories together. It’s a special moment when you pick your Christmas tree, and we love seeing people come back year after year.”
Eagan’s Regal Evergreens will be open this Saturday, December 7th and Sunday, December 8th from 10am-5pm and they invite everyone to experience the farm. “Come out and create lasting treasured memories with your loved ones choosing and cutting down your fresh beautiful Christmas tree. We can’t wait to see you!”
For more information, follow on Facebook, email? Or stop down to the farm located at 1915 Eden Evans Center Road in Eden, just off the 57A Exit of the I-90.