Although spring is progressing fast, there is still time to order trees and shrubs for reforestation, wildlife habitat or to control soil erosion on acreages or farms. Recent rains are creating favorable planting conditions and it is best if plantings are completed by mid to late May.

"There are excellent supplies at the State Forest Nursery of native red, white, bur and swamp oak, walnut, silver maple, dogwood, wild plum and many other species," said John Walkowiak, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources forestry bureau. These native trees and shrubs are adapted to Iowa's extremes in weather, to Iowa's soils and provide superior wildlife habitat, he said.

Conservation trees and shrubs are for sale by the State Forest Nursery at the cost of production. Prices range from $25/100 plants for evergreen species, such as white pine, to $45/100 plants for hardwood trees and shrubs like the oaks and redosier dogwood. The minimum order is 500 plants.

Several specialty packets designed in cooperation with the Iowa Chapters of the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and Audubon Iowa are available for conservation plantings as well. "These specialty packets contain 20 to 200 seedlings and sell from $20 to $90 and are great for improving wildlife and songbird habitat on your acreage," Walkowiak said.

For more information or to order conservation trees and shrubs, call 1-800-865-2477 or www.iowatreeplanting.com.

For more information, contact Walkowiak at 515-242-5966.
 

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