Underwood Conservation District' Hosts “TreeFest” March 23rd
Spring is almost here time to get your trees!
From Underwood Conservation District:
By Corrie Podolak
White Salmon Wash. Mar. 8, 2024 — Underwood Conservation District will host its annual TreeFest at Rheingarten Park in White Salmon on Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
Several local partnering groups will be there with potted native plants for sale, kids’ activities, and information about the natural resources of our area. These partners will have lots of great information to share about improving forest health, fire mitigation, improving pollinator habitat, weed control, and ways to improve wildlife habitat and ways to deter certain wildlife. Dirt Hugger will provide free compost to people who bring their own buckets.
Some of the partners include Dirt Hugger, East Cascades Oak Partnership with Columbia Land Trust, OSU Master Gardeners, Yakama Nation Fisheries Program, Humble Roots Nursery, Department of Natural Resources, Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area, US Fish and Wildlife Services, City of White Salmon, Mount Adams Resource Stewards, WA Farm Forestry Association, the Suksdorfia Chapter of WA Native Plant Society, Melissa Bees Landscape and Design and Sown by Sarah.
Bareroot plants and pre-ordered bundles of seedlings will be distributed to UCD’s online customers. Day-of plant sale will include native conifers, hardwoods, and deciduous plants sold individually, all plants will be $4 each. Bareroot seedlings are generally two years old, ready to plant, and will need to go into the ground as soon as possible.
Native plants provide a wealth of ecological services; providing food and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, stabilizing soils, providing windbreaks, and offering shade to streams. Once established, native plants require minimal inputs such as fertilizers, constant irrigation, and maintenance, resulting in reduced chemical runoff, water use, and labor. Not to mention they reward landowners with plenty of beautiful blossoms, shade, and privacy!
Underwood Conservation District’s website has more information about the plant sale and plants themselves: www.ucdwa.org. The website also has information on the benefits of native plants, how to choose what to plant, and resource links. Hope to see you there for this great event!