A little history
This adventure started many years ago as a simple COSS idea. We wanted something cheerful for families to do outdoors in winter that did not cost anything and did not require special equipment. The first year only a few decorated trees went up at Bartlett Park, and it was meant to be a small experiment.
Then it took off. Kids dragged parents out to find the next tree. Grandparents joined in. People explored trails they had never walked before. Dogs loved it. Decorations got more creative every season. What began as a small COSS concept is now a well known winter activity and one of the happiest traditions in town.
How to join the hunt
Visit each address on the list below, find the decorated tree, and take a photo of your team in front of it. When you are done, email the photo to:
ten.tsacmoc@tirbllewoL
Your email HEADER must contain the words
Tree Hunt 2025
and your team name.
This lets the mail filter find all entries.
You can also post your photos on the Facebook event page.
How teams are recognized
If you find fifteen trees, you are a Tree Hunter.
If you find all eighteen, you are a Master Tree Hunter.
Notes for visiting the sites
Conservation land. All trees in Thanksgiving Forest and Crooked Spring are on the blue loop and more than one hundred feet from the lot.
School sites. Only visit Westlands and Heinze Park (McCarthy) after school hours.
Local business. Old Mill Coffee has winter hours and sells warm drinks and food. Hunting while snacking is encouraged.
If you see anything concerning, like downed trees, trash, broken glass, or signs of a fire pit, email COSS and we will send out a clean up crew.
If any tree is losing ornaments or looks damaged, email us and we will send out the SNOW Crew.
Seasonal North Ornament Workers.
Goofy name, perfect tone for the event.
The event starts November 26 and ends the first week of January.
Tree List for 2025
Tree Number | Location | Address
1 | Bartlett Park Upper | 27 Acton Rd
2 | Bartlett Woodlot | 27 Acton Rd
3 | Proctor Pasture | 44 Proctor Rd
4 | Bartlett Park Lower ADA | 27 Acton Rd
5 | Sunny Meadow Farm | 168 Robin Hill Rd
6 | Heart Pond | 1 Pond St
7 | The Bog | 60 Elm St
8 | Thanksgiving Forest | 40 Janet Rd
9 | Koulas Farm | 185 Pine Hill Rd
10 | Chelmsford Public Garden | 7 North Road
11 | Byam Homestead | 40 Byam Rd
12 | Westlands Nature Park | 170 Dalton Rd
13 | Heinz Park | 250 North Rd
14 | All Saints Church Grounds | 10 Billerica Rd
15 | Grist Mill behind Brick House | 1 Central Square
16 | Old Mill Coffee House | 24 Central Sq
17 | Burbank Gardens | 116 Riverneck Rd
18 | Immanuel Church | 301 Boston Rd