Otonabee Conservation has launched a new stewardship program to help landowners seeking to plant trees on their property. The Tree Seedling Program is available to farm and rural landowners within the Otonabee Region watershed and offers a wide selection of native tree and shrub species which can enhance private property as well as the natural environment.
“Trees are an important part of our work in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment. Trees and forests protect water quality in our rivers and streams. They provide habitat for birds and other wildlife and they add to the health of our communities by purifying the air and enhancing the environment that surrounds us,” explains Meredith Carter, Manager of the Watershed Management Program at Otonabee Conservation. “Planting trees this spring season can also be a celebratory activity to mark the 150th anniversary of our province and our nation,” says Carter.
Photo supplied. Order your tree seedlings from ORCA by March 10th.
Landowners can choose seedlings from a variety of coniferous and deciduous trees and wildlife shrubs including White Pine, Eastern White Cedar, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, Highbush Cranberry and Buttonbush. The minimum order is 25 seedlings of a selected species.
“Orders are now being accepted for Spring 2017, with the order deadline of Friday, March 10th. Otonabee Conservation expects the tree and shrub seedlings to arrive at the conservation authority office in late April, at which time landowners will be contacted and pick-up times will be arranged,” explains Carter.
Details about the Tree Seedling Program, including helpful tips on planting and caring for young seedlings, and the Order Form are available on the Otonabee Conservation website at www.otonabee.com.
For information contact: Dan Marinigh, Chief Administrative Officer at 705-745-5791 ext. 222 or Meredith Carter, Manager, Watershed Management Program at ext. 223. KG
