The Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District has released their Conservation Tree and Shrub species list for the spring of 2014.
This year, participants will have the opportunity to pre-order more than 40 different species of bare-root conifers, hardwood trees, shrubs, wildflowers and groundcovers, as well as seed mixes and other products used in conservation projects. Packages range in unit size and price, from a bundle of 10 plants for as low as $11, to bundles of 100 plants for an average cost of $76. New species this year include: Buttonbush, Winterberry, River Birch, Sweet Crabapple, Black-Eyed Susan, New York Fern, and Wild Geranium.
The District has also updated their selection of multi-packs where homeowners can choose from nine pre-packaged plant combinations that help accommodate a homeowner’s conservation needs. Rather than getting a single pack of ten trees/shrubs composed of only one species, the multi-packs offer two plants of five different species; perfect for the suburban conservationist. New this year is the Hummingbird & Honeybee Pack; it comes complete with shrubs and perennials such as Red Columbine, Larkspur, Red Root, Jacob’s Ladder, and Beauty Berry. As always, species adapted to Monroe County site conditions have been selected to provide a variety of conservation uses.
“Planting trees and shrubs is perhaps the most effective way for individuals to help keep our environment clean and green,” said District Director Kelly Emerick. “In addition to providing shade, privacy, wildlife habitat, borders, windbreaks and snow fences, trees provide many environmental benefits not visible to the eye.” She explained, “They work as filters to help protect drinking water, clean the air of pollutants, stabilize soil to prevent erosion, and reduce noise by acting as sound barriers. Trees can help cool your home in the summer, and break cold winds in the winter, helping to reduce energy use. They can even add value to your property.”
The Conservation Tree and Shrub Program is a pre-order program with a deadline for ordering on March 7. The distribution of the plant material will occur at the Monroe County ecopark on April 17 and 18 from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The remaining plant stock will be sold on April 19 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Order forms can be found on the District’s website:www.monroecountyswcd.org or at any Town/Village Clerk’s Office in Monroe County. Or, contact the County Soil and Water Conservation District at (585)753-7380, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to have the order form faxed, mailed, or emailed.
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