More than 6 million trees and shrubs were planted in Iowa last year for conservation efforts on private and public lands. Again this year the Iowa State Forest Nursery and several private Iowa nurseries have good supplies of Iowa grown conservation tree and shrub seedlings available for spring planting.

"There are good supplies of white, red and bur oak, black walnut, silver maple and 39 other species of conifers, hardwood trees and shrubs available from the State Forest Nursery in Ames," said John Walkowiak, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources forestry bureau.

These conservation trees and shrubs are bareroot seedlings from locally collected Iowa seed, and range in size from 8 to 24 inches. Prices are the same as last year and range from $.25 for an 8 to 16-inch tall conifer such as Norway spruce, to $.45 for a 17 to 24-inch tall hardwood tree or shrub such as the oaks. Plants are sold in lots of 100 and a minimum order of 500 plants is required.

"For those interested in planting a smaller area for wildlife habitat. The State Nursery offers three wildlife packets of 200 trees and shrubs for $90 that is right for someone with one acre or less to plant, and a 20 tree and shrub song bird packet for $20 this perfect for that odd corner in your backyard," Walkowiak said.

Conservation seedlings or seedling packets from the State Forest Nursery by calling 1-800-865-2477 M-F 8-4:30 p.m. or online at www.iowadnr.com/forestry/. Credit card orders are accepted.

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