The Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District has released the spring 2024 species list for its annual Conservation Tree & Shrub program. For 48 years, the District has hosted this successful program, with nearly 22,000 native and naturalized trees and shrubs being distributed to over 500 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 1 and pick up on April 18 or 19 ready to be planted. They don’t just offer trees and shrubs. In addition to plants, the District offers other products great for conservation projects including bat and bluebird houses, seed mixes, and more.
The District added six hardwoods and one new item: live stakes. The new items are all great conservation species, providing numerous benefits from wildlife protection and food to increasing property aesthetics. New this year are Pin Oak, American Hazelnut, Northern Catalpa, Northern Bayberry, Common Serviceberry, Choke Cherry, and Streamco Willow live stakes. Popular best-sellers like Paper Birch, White Spruce, and Tulip Poplar also returned this year. By planting these native plants you can increase wildlife habitat, provide a windbreak, reduce erosion and stormwater runoff, do your part in being climate resilient, and help create pollinator habitat. Check out all the benefits of these and other selections by viewing the catalog at https://www.monroecountyswcd.org/page-8.html
Due to limited supply, pre-order by March 1, 2024 by mail, email or online ordering. Pre-ordered plants can be picked up at the Monroe County ecopark on April 18 or 19, 2024 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The District will also hold a first come, first serve overstock sale on April 20, 2024 from 9 to 11 a.m. Please note that the tree species typically come as young, small rooted plants – they do 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.
Those interested in this program can find the order form and full color catalog on the District’s website, https://www.monroecountyswcd.org/page-8.html. If you have any questions or would like a form sent to you, contact the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District at 585-753-7380, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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