Otonabee Conservation is once again encouraging landowners in the Otonabee Region Watershed to enhance their property and mitigate climate change by planting trees. Each year, Otonabee Conservation offers a wide selection of native tree and shrub species for landowners to purchase. Orders can be placed online at otonabeeconservation.com
“Trees play an important role in maintaining a healthy and resilient natural environment; planting more trees will help provide habitat and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” explains Meredith Carter, Manager of the Watershed Management Program at Otonabee Conservation, “Last year, 99 landowners in our watershed purchased and planted over 11,000 trees and shrubs through our Tree Seedling Sales Program. This will translate to approximately, 2.5 million kg of sequestered Carbon over the lifetime of these trees!”
Landowners can choose 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, along with some unique species such as Tulip Tree, Bitternut Hickory, and Serviceberry. The minimum order is 25 seedlings of a selected species.
“Trees and forests also protect water quality in our rivers and streams,” continues Carter, “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.”
Orders can be submitted online now, for pickup in spring 2022, with an order deadline of March 20th. Demand for tree seedlings has been high over the past two years; for the best selection of species and quantities, be sure to get your order in soon. Otonabee Conservation expects the seedlings to arrive at the Conservation Authority office in early May, at which time landowners will be notified and curbside pick-up times will be scheduled.
Details about the Otonabee Conservation Tree Seedling Sales Program, including helpful tips about planting and caring for young seedlings, choosing the right trees for your land, and the online ordering system are available at otonabeeconservation.com/programs/tree-planting. KG
