The Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District is taking orders for trees and shrubs now through March 24. Available for planting this spring are low-cost bare root evergreen seedlings and transplants, deciduous trees, a variety of bushes and shrubs, semi-dwarf apple trees, and wildflower seeds. Also available are bluebird nest boxes and barley straw. Among the many planting accessories being offered are tree mats and tree shelters, hardwood stakes, fertilizer tablets and animal repellent.

For a complete list of the many items available, including descriptions, prices and order information, visit www.herkimercountyswcd.com, the Herkimer County Soil and Water Conservation District Facebook page, or call (315) 866-2520, ext. 5.

Orders are accepted through Friday, March 24, 2023. Pick-up dates are Friday, April 28 and Saturday, April 29. Quantities are limited, and orders will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District has announced its annual Tree & Shrub Seedling Sale for April 21, 2023. The Warren County Soil & Water Conservation District is offering low-cost bare root trees, shrubs, wildflower seeds and more through their sale. Orders are due by March 9, 2023. Pickup Date: April 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Photo provided by Maren Stoddard, Senior District Technician, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District

A number of new items are available this year, such as Winterberry, Meadowsweet, Concolor Fir, and Cherry trees. Feel free to contact the District with any questions you may have or for planting recommendations. https://warrenswcd.org/tree-and-shrub-program/

Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District staff are encouraging landowners to plant Northeast Wildflower Seed Mix. There are details about the benefits of incorporating native wildflowers on the highlights page of the  Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District’s brochure. Please see below for some highlights from the brochure.

Improve Your Planting & Soil Health: Adding fresh organic matter and caring for your soil with the practices below will improve both your soil and plant health year after year.

Compost: Look for quality sources and ask questions about the product, or better yet, compost at home and utilize it in the garden.

Mulch: Leaves, straw, grass clippings, compost and woodchips may all be used. Remember to keep mulch away from plant stems. The best mulch is recycled from your yard.

Water, water, water: To help plants root at the start, keep soil moist with consistent watering while they establish in their new home.

Sunlight: Most of our species prefer full sun but many will grow very well in partial sun, ideally 3 to 6 hours of sun a day.

Photo provided by Maren Stoddard, Senior District Technician, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District

Forest Pest Alert: The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA) is a small insect that has been killing Eastern Hemlocks in the U.S. for a number of years; you may have heard about their recent discovery
and subsequent management in the Lake George Watershed. As a way to monitor the spread in our communities, we are offering HWA Monitoring Kits, as well as five free Tamarack seedlings to
landowners. The HWA Monitoring Program is for landowners to plant an alternate, native species and to help monitor the health of existing hemlocks on their property. With your kit, you’ll learn about the identification of HWA, and signs and symptoms to look for. This program is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Attract the Karner Blue: Ever consider establishing a wildflower plot on  your property? Whether it’s a small or big area of native wildflowers, here are some simple reasons to try it:
 Less time mowing
 Reduce fertilizer and herbicide use on your lawn
 Improve soil nutrients & health

Promote beneficial pollinators
 Create wildlife habitat for birds and more
 Promote biodiversity
 More colors to admire in your yard

What are the new species in 2023?
• Apple Trees: Empire & MacIntosh
• Pear Trees: Anjou & Bartlett
• Cherry Trees: Bing & Montmorency
• Winterberry
Meadowsweet Spirea: Meadowsweet is a native shrub that grows to six feet tall and blooms in beautiful white or pink colors from June through to September. While it does best in wet soils, it is a
hardy perennial that will add color and attract pollinators for years to come.
Concolor Fir: Also known as the White fir, this tree is native to the west. It is becoming increasingly popular here in the east as a tough, alternative species for use as Christmas trees that grows well
in local soils. Make sure to put in your orders early as we will only be getting these trees in limited numbers.

For information or questions, call (518) 623-3119 or visit www.warrenswcd.org

Photo at top provided by Maren Stoddard, Senior District Technician, Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District.