Just remember, you don’t have to have extensive acres of land to buy seedlings. Consider that little corner out back that’s vacant, or what about that windbreak you’ve always wanted along your property line?

Plant a tree to honor a birth or wedding. Watch it grow along with your loved one. Trees are a gift WE give back to the earth.

Trees and shrubs help protect our homes from the elements...they help clean our air...provide shelter for birds and squirrels...beautify our neighborhoods and our communities...and bring shade and color to our lives.

Each spring and fall Michigan’s Conservation Districts sell a variety of high quality conservation seedlings for erosion control, wildlife habitat, reforestation, windbreaks, and many other conservation purposes. Seedling varieties generally include wildlife shrubs, hardwoods, conifers (evergreens), aquatic plants, grasses, ground covers and wildflowers.

Land owners can purchase seedlings and other products from their local Conservation District.

Plants native to the soils and climate of your specific area provide the best overall food sources for wildlife, while generally requiring less fertilizer, less water, and less effort in controlling pests. Too often, exotics brought to Michigan for their horticultural or wildlife value spread rapidly, take over farm and woodland, and decimate native plants and animals. For more information on Michigan native plants click here.

If you are interested in receiving a FREE tree seedling catalog contact the Conservation District in your county, or call the Michigan Association of Conservation Districts at 517-324-4421 for  more information.

Here's a sample of products available through Michigan Conservation Districts:

• Wildflowers: Beautiful mixture of annuals and perennials.
• Prairie Grasses: Excellent shelter and food source for ground nesting birds.
• Bird Houses: Easy to assemble and fun to watch birds set up their homes.
• Bat Houses: Easy to assemble, and helps cut down on mosquitoes.
• Customized Wildlife Packets: If you don't want to order a large number of plants, then try custom designed packets available for turkeys, deer, grouse, hummingbirds and butterflies.
• Ground Cover: Hardy perennials that control erosion, add beauty, and are low maintenance.
• Mushroom Pots: Morels, Shitakes, Hericium, Sonoma Brown, Blue Oyster and Golden Oyster. Takes only 6" by 6" space and comes with complete instructions.
• Shrubs: Fruit bearing shrubs provide food for wildlife and adds color around your home.
• Evergreens: Pines, spruces, firs, and hemlocks. Enjoy greenery all year long.
• Hardwoods: Brilliant fall display adds color to the landscape.
• Nut Trees: Chestnuts, beechnuts, and oaks provide food and cover for birds and wildlife.
• Beach/Dune Grass: Vital plant used for erosion control in wind blown, sandy areas.
• Tree Shelters: Used to protect new seedlings - enhances growth.