Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) invites landowners to save money and learn at the 13th annual SWCD tree sale open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 3, at the Crow Wing SWCD office located at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building, 322 Laurel Street, Suite 13.
Landowners will save 10 percent on all items ordered Feb. 3 and enjoy free coffee and refreshment. Residents will also learn from area plant experts and explore different county, state and federal conservation programs and grant opportunities.
Melissa Barrick, SWCD manager, said, "This is a great opportunity to ask the Minnesota DNR, Thirty Lakes Watershed District, Master Gardeners and Natural Resource Conservation Service your questions. They will be on hand to answer the what, where and how to plant shorelines, backyard gardens, wildlife habitat and windbreaks."
"More and more, local residents want to know what they can do to protect Minnesota lakes and rivers" said Beth Hippert, district technician. Trees and plants improve water quality by reducing the flow of polluted runoff into lakes and streams. They stabilize lake and river banks, attract wildlife, improve air quality and keep soil in place. Properly planted and managed trees can also reduce the need for heating and air conditioning, resulting in fewer emissions released into the atmosphere.
Because of the local interest, SWCD added planting kits and seed packets for Urban Oasis Habitat, shoreline buffers and rain gardens.
Deadline for ordering is March 1. All plants, trees and compost bins will be picked up May 3-5 at the Northland Arboretum, Baxter.
For more information, visit http://www2.co.crow-wing.mn.us/swcd, email darren.mayers@co.crow-wing.mn.us or call the SWCD at 218-828-6197.
