Photo supplied.
Otonabee Conservation is selling bare-root tree seedlings of native shrub and tree species like this white pine again this year to encourage planting in idel or marginal lands and along local watersheds.
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 through its Tree Seedling Sales Program. This year’s program began this week and runs until March 19th.
The program offers many native species of evergreen and broad leaf tree and shrub seedlings, 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. All seedlings arrive as bare-root specimens and are approximately 1-2 years old, ranging in size from 6 to 30 inches (15-75cm).
Orders can be placed online at otonabeeconservation.com. for pickup in the spring. An email confirmation will be sent to communicate that an order has been received. Payment by credit card will be arranged prior to pick up, and the invoice will include a $30 administration fee. Contactless pickup will be in early May, just in time for the planting season.
Landowners are encouraged to get their order in early to ensure the best selection of species and quantities. 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.
Otonabee Conservation has been involved in tree planting and forest management since the early 1960’s. It owns and manages 2,309 hectares of forest, hosts the annual Scout Trees Program of Scouts Canada, and annually plants trees in partnership with private landowners and municipalities. It also works with local landowners and partners to plant trees on public and private properties through a Stewardship and Re-forestation program. Eligible landowners may receive funding, technical support and volunteers to assist with re-forestation projects. Meredith Carter, Manager of the Watershed Management Program, can provide details. Contact her by email at mcarter@otomabeeconservation.com or by calling 705-745-5791 ext. 223.
Both of these programs are designed to encourage reforestation of idle or marginal lands, to enhance the diversity of forests and to encourage the sustainability of existing forests throughout the watershed region. Environment Canada suggests a minimum of 30 percent forest cover is required to support healthy habitat for wildlife, which also means healthy communities for watershed residents. KG
