Washtenaw County Conservation District launches 2023 spring plant sales

submitted by the Washtenaw County Conservation District

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, reduce runoff, establish wildlife habitat, shade your property, or plant an orchard, the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) offers more than 100 species of trees, shrubs, and potted native plants for various conservation projects.

Preordering opened on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, and will close on March 20, 2023. Orders can be placed directly on the WCCD’s online store using a credit card or mailed check: https://store.washtenawcd.org. Hard copies of the order forms are available for download on the WCCD website, https://washtenawcd.org/trees, or by requesting a mailed copy by contacting orders@washtenawcd.org or (734) 302-8713. It is highly encouraged to shop and order early, as many species will sell out before the deadline.

The WCCD Spring Tree & Shrub sale offers woody plant bare-root seedlings for all conservation needs. There are various conifers for windbreaks, privacy screens, and timber. Numerous native species support conservation efforts, including: Paw-Paw, Serviceberry, Winterberry, White Oak, Sugar Maple, Spicebush, Black-gum, American Chestnut, Common Persimmon, and many more. A variety of fruit is available: apple, peach, pear, nectarine, raspberries, and wild blueberries. Planting aids are offered to support plant survival and include tree shelters, weed mats, pest repellents, and more.

All Spring Tree & Shrub orders will be available to pick up at the WCCD’s annual Spring Tree & Shrub Distribution, scheduled for Friday, April 28, from 1pm to 6pm and Saturday, April 29, from 9am to 11am at the Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103.

Any remaining trees and shrubs can be purchased through the WCCD in person on Saturday, April 29, starting at 10am at the Farm Council Grounds. Availability will vary and be first-come first-served.

The WCCD Spring Native Plant Sale allows green thumbs to pre-order from 58 species of wildflowers, grasses, sedges, trees, and shrubs, all of which are native to our region. Native plants have evolved and existed in this region prior to European settlement and are adapted to local soils and climate, provide sustenance and shelter to wildlife, and preserve biodiversity. The native plant species offered in the sale are perennials that succeed in landscaping and garden settings, providing year-round beauty while also supporting pollinators.

New for spring of 2023: We’ll be giving away limited free milkweed plants to support the declining migratory monarch butterfly populations. This iconic species has recently received the endangered status globally and requires milkweed as its larval host plant. All residents can claim three free milkweed plants during the sale period and will be available to pick up with the Spring Native Plant Sale orders.

All Spring Native Plant orders will be available to pick up during the annual Native Plant Expo & Marketplace on Saturday June 3, 2023, from 9am to 1pm at the Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. The Native Plant Expo & Marketplace will also feature many more vendors and nurseries offering plants for sale onsite.

The WCCD is a unit of local government, managed by an elected 5-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.

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.

To learn more about the Spring Tree & Shrub Distribution and other WCCD programs, please visit the district website at www.washtenawcd.org. Hard-copy sale forms are also available at the WCCD office, 705 N Zeeb Rd, Suite 201, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. Contact Doug Reith, WCCD Resource Coordinator, with any questions at (734) 302-8713 or doug@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.