(Chelsea Update would like to thank Doug Reith for the information in this story.)
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, 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 has begun and will close on March 20. Orders can be placed directly on the WCCD’s online store using 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 through requesting a mailed copy by contacting: [email protected]
or by calling (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 trees, peach, pear, nectarine, raspberries, and wild blueberries. Planting aids are offered to support plant survival and include tree shelters, weed mats, pest repellants, 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 1-6 p.m. and Saturday, April 29 from 9-11 a.m. at the Farm Council Grounds, 5055 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor.
Any remaining trees and shrubs can be purchased through the WCCD in person on Saturday, April 29 starting at 10 a.m. 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 plants 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 it’s larval host plant. All residents can claim 3 free milkweed plants during the sale period, which 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 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Farm Council Grounds.
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.
More than 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.
Hardcopy 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 [email protected].
