AMES - Songbird lovers can supercharge their songbird feeding program by planting beautiful trees and shrubs to provide food and year around shelter for their feathered friends.

"Urban and rural yards can provide important habitat for many species of songbirds, and greatly strengthen your bird feeding program," said Stan Tate, forester with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources, in Wapello.

"Now is the time to order songbird packets to plant in your yard next spring. It will make the birds happy and your yard more beautiful," said Tate. For only $20 and a few hours work, "you can plant trees and shrubs that will help feed and shelter your songbirds for your entire lifetime. Plant only once, but enjoy for many years."

The songbird packet is grown by the DNR forestry bureau and contains 16 favorite shrubs and 4 trees proven to attract songbirds year around. These are all grown from seed collected in Iowa.

The packet contains two bur oak trees, two white pine trees, four wild plum bushes, four chokecherry bushes, four gray dogwood bushes, and four serviceberry bushes. This planting can be easily fit into a small lot or backyard in town and will help beautify the neighborhood.

"Songbird packets make great gifts for friends and relatives," Tate said. The State Forest Nursery provides gift certificates for those receiving the gift this spring. The packet will arrive between now and the end of May along with planting instructions.

To order, call 1-800-865-2477 and ask for the Songbird Packet. Checks, VISA or Master Card are accepted. Shipping is free. For more information, log on to www.iowadnr.com/forestry/.
 

Click Here To Return To The Previous Page