TIME TO PLAN FOR 2023 CONSERVATION TREE PLANTING

The 2023 tree planting season is just around the corner, and the time is now to plan your windbreak or conservation tree planting.  The Lewis and Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) will take orders for spring planting from now until March 31, 2023.

Conservation trees play vital roles in our environment – providing wind protection for homesteads and livestock, habitat for wildlife, and beauty for our farms and homes.  If you are looking to enhance an area by planting trees, contact your local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or the LCNRD. There are several cost-share programs available to help with the cost of establishing a new tree planting or renovating an existing windbreak.                        

Seedlings are available in bundles of 25 for $1.20 per seedling plus sales tax. LCNRD offers a Small Acre Package (SAP) at the cost of $35.00. The packet includes some favorite shrubs and trees, which invite a variety of birds and other wildlife. Included in the packet are (2) Bur Oak, (2) Hackberry, (3) Colorado Blue Spruce, (3) Redosier Dogwood, (5) Chokecherry, and (5) American Plum.  Also available this year are Butterfly Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed.

Tree Seedlings Available for 2023

Broadleaf Trees:  Catalpa, Cottonwood, Crabapple, Hackberry, Honey Locust, Amur Maple, Silver Maple, Bur Oak, Red Oak, Swamp White Oak, and Black Walnut

Shrubs:  American Plum, Golden Currant, Hazelnut, Buffaloberry, Sumac, Chokecherry, Chokeberry, Cotoneaster, Elderberry, Common Lilac, Vilosa Lilac, Serviceberry, and Redosier Dogwood.

Evergreens:  Eastern Red Cedar, Colorado Blue Spruce, Jack Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Norway Spruce, and Southwestern White Pine.

Plants: Butterfly Milkweed and Swamp Milkweed.