Winter has arrived and spring will be here before you know it! In preparation, the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District has released their Conservation Tree and Shrub species list for the spring of 2017.
This year, property owners will have the opportunity to pre-order more than 42 different species of bare-root conifers, hardwood trees, shrubs, wildflowers and groundcovers, as well as seed mixes and other products used for 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 as low as $70. The district will be offering the following new species this year: Arrowwood, Silverberry, Wild Plum, Bearberry, and Purple Coneflower. An editable fruit multi-packs and a new wildlife food plot seed mix will also be offered this year. The new edible fruit pack will provide an opportunity for you to grow and harvest your own fresh fruit including: cold tolerant strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, and two varieties of blueberry plants. These fruits are also great for attracting wildlife!
“Planting trees and shrubs is perhaps the most effective way for individuals to help keep our environment clean and green,” said District Executive 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 3, 2017. We have a limited availability for plant stock so to ensure we can meet your needs, order early! The distribution of the plan material will occur at the Monroe County Ecopark on April 20-21, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Those interested in this program can find the order form and our full color catalog on the District’s website: www.monroecountyswcd.org or you can pick up an order form at your local Town/Village Clerk Department. Check it out!! If you have any questions or you’d like the form sent to you, contact the Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District at (585) 753-7380, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.