Annual Fayette SWCD sale underway

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The Fayette Soil & Water Conservation District (Fayette SWCD) is holding its sixth-annual seedling tree and native plant sale. Members of the public have the opportunity to purchase tree seedlings at very reasonable prices.

“We have a nice variety of trees again this year, including flowering, edible, wildlife, wet areas, and pollinators,” said Chet Murphy, director of Fayette SWCD. “Species offered this year include American Beech, American Plum, Black Willow, Northern Pecan, Red Oak, Redbud, Sugar Maple, White Flowering Dogwood, and many others. Trees may be purchased in lots as small as five seedlings of any species. This makes it easier for the customer to create a custom packet. All trees being offered are native to Ohio.”

There are many reasons to plant trees. Bedsides being aesthetically pleasing, they protect our environment by filtering pollution from the air and soil, helping to recycle water, slowing water runoff, and preventing soil loss. They also improve our surroundings by creating shade, giving shelter from wind and rain, providing homes for animals, making food for humans and wildlife, and providing an interesting, soothing, learning environment for our children and community.

Individual species are available in quantities of five, 25, or 100. The deadline for ordering is March 22. The trees are scheduled for pickup on April 13.

“It’s that time of year to start thinking about planting your flower beds,” said Brigitte Hisey, Fayette SWCD natural resource specialist. ”Why not plant some native plants to help pollinators like native bees and monarchs? We have kits available. This year we have added three individual plants, Swamp Milkweed, Marsh Blazing Star, and Blue Indigo, so you can try some natives out without purchasing a kit. They are my favorites. Don’t let the name fool you, swamp milkweed can grow anywhere. I had nine monarch caterpillars on mine the first year. Swamp Milkweed and Marsh Blazing Star bloom late. Great for migrating butterflies and many other pollinators. Plugs for these plants are two dollars each. Four different kits are also being offered. These kits are: Xerces Society Pollinator, Wetland, Butterfly/Bird, or Rain Garden. The kits are 100 dollars each and include 50 plants. There are 10 plant varieties in each kit. The order deadline is March 22. Plants and kits should be in by mid- May.”

Go to the Fayette SWCD Facebook page to download tree descriptions and order forms. For more information or to place an order, visit the Fayette SWCD office at 1415 US 22 SW, Suite 500, Washington Court House.

Logan Helfrich counting monarch caterpillars on a swamp milkweed plant.
http://www.recordherald.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2017/02/web1_Logan-Helfrich-counting-monarch-caterpillars-on-a-swamp-milkweed-plant.jpgLogan Helfrich counting monarch caterpillars on a swamp milkweed plant.
Seedling trees and native plants available to public

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