(Chelsea Update would like to thank Megan DeLeeuw for the information in this story.)
Washtenaw County residents have been purchasing trees and shrubs from the district since the tree sales began more than 37 years ago.
In the last 18 years, Washtenaw County residents have planted more than 3 million trees and shrubs from the Washtenaw County Conservation District (WCCD) to establish windbreaks and wildlife habitat, reduce soil erosion, and reforest land.
Although Washtenaw County can be proud of these efforts, tree planting remains a critical job for conservation on the ground as pest, disease and urban development pressure continue to evolve.
Planting trees and shrubs, especially native species, and a select few introduced species, contribute to replacing tree mortality from insect and disease predation, as well as from development.
Planting a diversity of species is especially important for this reason. Oak Wilt, a disease that has recently caused alarm in surrounding counties, appears to affect mostly the red oak group. Trees in the white oak group show more resistance and may be increasingly important if those in the red oak family die off at an accelerated rate.
Continuously managing and maintaining diversity in ecosystems is important for all habitats in and around Washtenaw County and throughout the State. The WCCD prioritizes rotating many of the tree species offered as part of the tree sale each year in order to encourage planting a diversity of native (and non-native) species.
A few of the new native species offered at this year’s sale include: Paw Paw, Persimmon, Larch/tamarack, Black Oak, Black Gum, American and Chinese Chestnut, Winterberry, Ninebark, Swamp White Oak and American Wild Plum. A variety of apple trees, brambles, mixed packets of species and bulk bundles are also available.
Orders for tree and shrub seedlings will be accepted through March 22, while supplies last.
Distribution of tree seedlings and other conservation materials will take place on April 26 from 1-6 p.m. and April 27 from 9-10:30 a.m. at the Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds (5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road).
Trees and shrubs purchased through the Conservation District are not intended for commercial uses, such as nursery stock. Public Act 89 of 1929 prohibits planting stock purchased from conservation districts from being resold with the roots attached. Purchases through this program support conservation work by the Conservation District in Washtenaw County. Residents outside of Washtenaw County are welcome to participate in the sale.
To learn more about the Spring Tree Sale and other WCCD programs, please visit the district website at www.washtenawcd.org.
Trees can be purchased directly on the website or order forms can be downloaded and sent to the office with payment. Forms are also available at the Conservation District office (7203 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor).
All trees pre-ordered will be picked up on the April 26 and April 27 sale dates. Contact Megan DeLeeuw, district manager, with any questions at (734) 205.1219 or [email protected].
