Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District launches 2023 Conservation Tree & Shrub Program
The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District has released the spring 2023 species list for its annual Conservation Tree & Shrub program. For 47 years, the district has hosted this program, with over 29,000 native and naturalized trees and shrubs being distributed to over 470 landowners last year alone for local conservation purposes.
With almost 40 different species, including hardwoods, bare-root conifers, shrubs, and variety packs, the district is doing its part supporting conservation efforts, while assisting residents in beautifying their community. Order plants now through March 3 and pick them up on April 20 or 21, ready to be planted. In addition to plants, the district offers other products, including bat and bluebird houses, seed mixes, and more.
The district added three hardwoods and one new conservation pack this year. The new items are all great conservation species, providing numerous benefits from wildlife protection and food to increasing property aesthetics. New this year are Tulip Poplar, Witch-hazel, Ninebark, and a Pollinator Conservation Pack. Popular best-sellers like Paper Birch, Red Osier Dogwood, and Colorado Blue Spruce also returned this year. By planting these native plants, one can increase wildlife habitat, provide a windbreak, reduce erosion and stormwater runoff, do their part in being climate resilient, and help create pollinator habitat. Check out all the benefits of these and our other selections by viewing the catalog at https://www.monroecountyswcd.org/page-8.html.
Due to limited supply, pre-order by March 3, 2023, by mail, email, or online ordering. Pre-ordered plants can be picked up at the Monroe County ecopark on April 20 or 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a first come, first served overstock sale on April 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. Note that many of the tree species come as young, small rooted clumps – the district does not sell full grown trees. Once planted, the small seedlings should take to the soil and grow leaves once spring arrives. This year, three of the conifers offered are transplants, meaning they are stronger and more mature when you plant them.
Those interested in this program can find the order form and a full color catalog on the district’s website, https://www.monroecountyswcd.org/page-8.html. Those with questions or who would like a form sent to them, can contact the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District at 585-753-7380, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Provided information
