Plant native this spring

What better way to forget about the cold and snow than to start preparing for spring. The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District has released their spring 2021 species list for their annual Conservation Tree & Shrub program. For 45 years, the district has hosted this successful program, with almost 16,000 native and naturalized trees and shrubs being distributed to landowners last year alone.

With 23 different species, including hardwoods, bare-root conifers, shrubs, wildflowers, and variety packs, the district is doing its part in making our communities green. Don’t miss out on getting your species – pre-order them, along with other products great for conservation projects, including bat and bluebird houses, seed mixes, and more. 

The district added four new trees and shrubs, plus several new mixes. The new items are all showy trees and shrubs, sure to liven up your yard and attract a variety of wildlife. This year, Red Maple, Yellow Birch, Balsam Fir, and Steeplebush are being offered. All native, these species produce wildlife-attracting fruit and flowers, provide fall scenery with stunning foliage, and can be used for various home projects like furniture and holiday trees. By planting these native plants, you can increase wildlife habitat, provide a windbreak (see conifers), reduce erosion, and help create a habitat for pollinators.  

The Conservation Tree & Shrub Program is a pre-order program with a deadline of March 5, 2021. There is limited availability for plant stock, so early ordering  by mail, email, or online is recommended. Plant material will be distributed at the Monroe County ecopark on April 22 and 23, 2021, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A first-come, first-serve overstock sale will be held on April 24, 2021, from 9 to 11 a.m., where remaining trees can be purchased without having to pre-order. 

Please note that many of of the program’s tree species come as young, small rooted clumps – not 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 being 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 at www.monroecountyswcd.org. Contact the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District with questions or to receive an order form, 753-7380, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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