Start your spring garden with conservation district's native plant and tree sale
EASTERN UPPER PENINSULA — For EUP residents who have always wanted to plant their own trees or start a garden, they can get a head start with an upcoming fundraiser.
The Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District is raising funds for their efforts with the annual native plant and tree sale, starting this spring. EUP residents can fill their gardens with a variety of plants and tree saplings that are native to Michigan's environment.
"Tree saplings and stuff like that are not readily available to landowners to plant," said Mike McCarthy, executive director of the conservation district.
The annual fundraiser hands out around 200 or more trees each year to local residents. The fundraiser has continued to grow every year as more people participate and find the space for tree saplings.
A large amount of trees are available, including pines, spruces, deciduous trees and several types of fruit trees.
"We try to change the fruit tree species we offer year by year just so people are getting a variety of things," said McCarthy.
Anyone can buy a sapling as long as they have a few square feet of land. Conservation district staff can help land owners determine what kind of trees are best suited for their land.
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For people who do not have the time or space to care for an entire tree, the district is also running a parallel fundraiser selling smaller plants, also native to the region.
The plant sale also includes items like gardening kits of 38 seedlings that are ready to be planted or seed packets for people wishing to start a garden on their own.
"We select the trees that will grow the best in this area," said McCarthy. "Obviously, there's many native trees and plants in Michigan but not all of those grow in our area. So we actually do look and find the best ones that will grow and thrive in our climate versus elsewhere."
Instructional guides and technical assistance is available to anyone purchasing and planting for the first time. All funds raised go back towards programs, services and educational activities of the conservation district.
Plants can be ordered online from the conservation district website, which displays the types of plants as well as prices. Pre-ordering for trees lasts until April 10, while the plant sale pre-ordering will last until June 2.
While there will be some stock available to purchase on the day, there is no guarantee of availability for specific plants without pre-ordering. Some species have limited availability.
— Contact Brendan Wiesner: BWiesner@Sooeveningnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Start your spring gardens with Chippewa Luce Mackinac Conservation District's plant and tree sale
