Plan your 2021 conservation projects!

Winter is the perfect time to start planning for how to make improvements to your property. Whether you are looking to reforest an area, naturalize the landscaping, create a wind barrier, protect the soil and reduce runoff, establish wildlife habitat, or plant an orchard, the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) offers more than 100 species of trees, shrubs and plants for all these projects and more.

The WCCD’s annual Spring Tree and Shrub Distribution is scheduled for Friday, April 23 from 1-6 pm and Saturday, April 24 from 9-10:30 am at the Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103). Pre-orders for pick-up at the distribution opened on Monday, January 4. Currently, orders can be placed directly on the WCCD’s online store using credit card or mailed check. Hard copies of the order forms are available for download on the WCCD website or through requesting a mailed copy by contacting: orders@washtenawcd.org or (734) 302-8713. The pre-order deadline is Friday, March 19.

After the March 19 deadline, trees and shrubs can be purchased through the WCCD this Spring through a lottery system on Saturday, April 24 starting at 10:00 am at the Farm Council Grounds. All remaining trees and shrubs will be available for purchase via the lottery. Participants must obtain a number card prior to the sale of extra trees during the tree pick-up times on Friday and Saturday.

A few of the new native species offered at this year’s sale include: Paw Paw, European Larch, Burr Oak, Deer Food and Pollinator Packets and more. A variety of apple trees, stone fruit, brambles, blueberries, and bulk bundles are also available.

The WCCD has been distributing trees, plants, and tools for conservation since the 1950’s. Over 7.1 million trees and shrubs have been planted as a result of WCCD’s distributions, contributing to conservation practices such as reforestation, soil erosion reduction and water quality improvement, habitat restoration, and naturalization projects.

The WCCD is a unit of local government, managed by an elected five-member board of directors. The mission of the WCCD is to assist residents with the conservation, management, and wise-use of natural resources in Washtenaw County. The WCCD serves Washtenaw residents through resource distributions, education, and technical assistance.

To learn more about the Spring Tree and Shrub Distribution and other WCCD programs, please visit the district website at www.washtenawcd.org. Forms are also available at the Conservation District office (705 N. Zeeb Rd, Suite 201, Ann Arbor, MI 48103).

Contact Doug Reith, Resource Coordinator, with any questions at (734) 302-8713 or dougreith@washtenawcd.org.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.