A Grand Christmas Adventure in Idaho

Washington, D.C., is deep in the throes of its typical hot and humid summer weather. The country has just had a festive Fourth of July celebration, and the West Front Lawn of the United States Capitol is recovering from a successful concert celebrating America's 250th birthday. The Architect of the Capitol's (AOC) Capitol Grounds and Arboretum team is in full swing, tending the historic landscape left in our charge.

The summer is also the moment when I have the honor and privilege to represent the AOC with the Forest Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in the time-honored tradition of selecting the U.S. Capitol Christmas Tree. Sometimes referred to as "The People's Tree" since it is a symbol representing the people and the land from where the tree is selected.

This annual event is an opportunity to learn about the history and stewardship of the area. Chosen from a different national forest each year, the 2026 tree will hail from Idaho's 4-million-acre Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests, named for the Nimíipuu (Nez Perce) people and their term Koos-Koos-Kai-Kai, which means "clear water."

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The Nez Perce Tribe has lived in this area since time immemorial, cultivating a rich culture centered on a traditional 14-million-acre homeland spanning present-day Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

Located in north-central Idaho, south of Coeur d'Alene and north of Boise, nearly 2 million acres of these forests are designated wilderness, making it the largest wilderness area in the lower 48 states!

In 1805, Lewis and Clark entered these forests as they headed west in search of a route to the Pacific Ocean. This would become one of the hardest stretches of their expedition. They struggled from exhaustion and near-starvation. Luckily, the party came across the Nez Perce Tribe, who shared their food, took care of their horses, and even helped them build canoes to assist in the rest of their journey to the western coast.

By 1860, the land saw a change with the discovery of gold. The Clearwater River and other prominent area waterways were targeted for panning, dredging and other mining techniques. Today, mining has slowed, but there are a few small active claims still in operation.

The Nez Perce Tribe and the Forest Service work together as co-stewards, partnering on aquatic restoration projects, educational initiatives, fuel reduction projects, and cultural resource initiatives.

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During my selection visit in Idaho, there was a slight haze of smoke from Canadian wildfires dulling some of the beautiful views, which led to an opportunity for me to learn about the techniques the U.S. Forest Service utilizes to manage fire in a forest.

The Grangeville Air Center, and birthplace of smokejumping, has a command center that tracks hundreds of Forest Service employees. I heard firsthand from these professionals that continue the tradition of being on the frontline to battle fires that are often thousands of acres in size. I learned that fire watch lookout towers are still in use, and thousands of lightning strikes are recorded on a weekly basis, resulting in a multitude of fires throughout the region.

Timber is an industry that is closely regulated and monitored here. These controlled efforts help with fire mitigation.

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After the stop at Grangeville, I began the search for the perfect Christmas tree. The Forest Service and the AOC started working on identifying potential candidate trees more than a year ago. Forest Service employees from around the region scouted areas throughout the forests to narrow down the selection.

Each day, we traveled through beautiful territory that transitions from rolling hills of grain to mountainous and rugged terrain. As we traversed the steep canyons and switchbacks, I learned of the abundant wildlife, including a rare glimpse of a bachelor herd of bull elk moving through the woods. The rivers there are home to a diverse population of fish. Steelhead, cutthroat, rainbow and bull trout, plus chinook and kokanee salmon, are all present here, making this a fisherman's dream.

The region is also an ecosystem with rich topsoil that creates prime conditions for big Christmas trees. The first tree I was shown stood at over 125 feet, which is too big to transport. I then inspected a marvelous western red cedar, which was exciting since I cannot recall a cedar ever being displayed at the U.S. Capitol. It has strong ties with the region, and the tree had a perfect form. Yet again, it was too big with bows that may not be flexible enough for packing and transport.

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We continued to travel to different regions each day, spending hours exploring new areas. Each moment allowed me to learn more about the people and the land.

Back in the Forest Service offices, we opened maps, and I identified the top four candidates. We reviewed drone footage of each final candidate to inspect tree tips and identify any crooked or double leads. Sides of trees that may not have been visible in the field are scrutinized for deficiencies. We discussed locations and logistics of harvest and packing. I then looked at Forest Health Reports to ensure the trees were free from any pathogens that may inhibit longevity.

It was a big decision, but I trusted my instinct and went with the grandest of them all. Back alongside a small dirt road, many miles from any civilization, was a gem. Not gold, like the miners look for in the river, but truly a grand find. An 80-foot-tall by 26-foot-wide grand fir (Abies grandis).* It will be perfect, not just in form, but also to tell the story of the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests.

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Before I started my journey home, there was one last stop to see some ornaments handmade by the people from the area. Staff, volunteers and schoolchildren get together to craft ornaments that embody their culture and then send them to the U.S. Capitol. There are ornaments with fish and wildlife, sunsets, mountains, trees and landscape themes made from all sorts of materials, including stained glass! I took an opportunity to craft an ornament of my own so that it may grace the tree after it arrives on the West Front Lawn.

Now that the selection is made, the Forest Service will work to ensure the tree arrives safely at the U.S. Capitol in November. AOC arborists have been briefed on the size of the tree, and preparations have begun to ensure that receiving the tree, decorating and lighting remain on schedule.

I invite you and your family to visit the U.S. Capitol this Christmas and see the People's Tree. A symbol of the diverse groups of people that make up our country and a meaningful reminder that thoughtful stewardship of our forests connects communities, preserves our natural heritage, and carries the spirit of the season forward for years to come.

Editor's Note:
*As of September, this has been changed to a 76‑foot Engelmann Spruce: "Our originally selected 80‑foot Grand Fir began showing signs of needlecast disease —resulting in yellowing needles and preventing a healthy journey to Washington, D.C." More details below in the Join Us on Social section.