Organized through the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, this year’s sale offers several varieties of conservation trees and shrubs, wildflower seed mixes and seedling packets, which have combinations of trees and shrubs chosen to attract, feed and shelter birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

Landowners can practice conservation by planting seedlings and wildflowers to provide wildlife food and habitat, shelter crops and landscape, reduce heating/cooling expenses, protect water quality, reduce air pollution and stabilize erodible land. Seedlings are an inexpensive alternative for replacing trees that have been damaged or lost.

Thirty-two species of trees and shrubs are available this year. The 1- to 3-year-old bare-root seedlings, which range in size from 6 to 24 inches, are available in lots of 10 to 500. The district is offering an expanded selection of 4-year-old evergreen transplants, which are mature trees with thicker stems, more branching and more developed roots. Also, a new seedling introduction to the 2013 program is the broadleaf tree, shagbark hickory.

The district also stocks marking flags, fertilizer tablets and tree shelters to help promote the success of plantings. Bluebird nest boxes can be ordered through the program or be purchased at the district office. 

To request a form being mailed to you, please contact his Legislative Office by calling 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.

Order forms may also be obtained by stopping at 50 Commerce Way, East Aurora, by calling 652-8480, ext. 5, or by printing the order form from the district’s website at www.ecswcd.org. Orders are due by March 15, and pickup will be on Saturday, April 13, at the Hamburg Fairgrounds, 5600 McKinley Parkway in Hamburg.