The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District has released the spring 2022 species list for its annual Conservation Tree & Shrub program. For 46 years, the district has hosted this program, with over 17,650 native and naturalized trees and shrubs being distributed to landowners last year alone.
With almost 40 different species including hardwoods, bare-root conifers, shrubs, wildflowers, and variety packs, there is plenty of variety to make our communities green. The district added six new trees and shrubs, two new conservation packs, one herbaceous flowering plant and one new mix to one of its best-selling conservation packs. The new items are all showy, beautiful trees and shrubs, sure to liven up your yard and attract a variety of wildlife. All native, these species produce wildlife-attracting fruit and flowers, provide quite the fall scenery with their stunning foliage, and can be used for various home projects like furniture. Some of these new species include White Cedar (Arborvitae), Paper Birch, American Cranberry, and Red Osier Dogwood. By planting these native plants you can increase wildlife habitat, provide a windbreak, reduce erosion, reduce stormwater runoff, do your part in being climate resilient, and help create habitat for pollinators.
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 being offered are transplants, meaning they are stronger and more mature when you plant them.
The Conservation Tree & Shrub Program is a pre-order program with a deadline for ordering on March 4, 2022. There is a limited availability for plant stock, so ordering early is recommended.
The district offers mail-in, email, and online ordering. The distribution of the plant material will occur at the Monroe County ecopark on April 21 and 22, 2022 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be a first come, first serve overstock sale on April 23, 2022 from 9 to 11 a.m., where you can come in and purchase trees without having to preorder.
Those interested in this program can find the order form and full color catalog on the district’s website, www.monroecountyswcd.org. Those with questions or who would like a form sent to them can contact the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District at 753-7380, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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