Homeowners in Select Counties Can Get Free Seedlings
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering its Backyard Buffer program in select counties around the state. Any resident with a drainage ditch, stream, creek or river flowing through their property or adjacent to a waterway could qualify for a free “Buffer in a Bag.”
Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, which are suited for streamside conditions. Streamside buffers help preserve and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing sediment, lowering peak water temperatures and stabilizing stream banks.
This year, the species will include a mix of: swamp white oak, river birch, redbud, persimmon and hazelnut. Information on tree planting techniques, planting arrangements, tree maintenance, other native plant species suitable for streamside plantings and other topics will be available at the time of pickup.
Quantities are limited, and reservations for tree packets will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests will be taken by the Maryland Forest Service through late March 2017, with varying deadlines depending on county. The following counties are participating in the program – residents should call the number listed for more information:
- Allegany County, 301-707-5590
- Anne Arundel County, 410-222-3831
- Carroll County, 410-848-9290
- Cecil County, 410-287-5777
- Dorchester County, 410-228-1861
- Garrett County, 301-334-3296
- Harford County, 410-557-4587
- Howard County, 410-442-2080
- Kent County, 410-260-8589
- Montgomery County, 301-854-6060
- Queen Anne’s County, 410-260-8589
- Talbot County, 410-924-1936
- Washington County, 301-791-4733
- Wicomico County, 410-543-1950
The trees will be available for pickup in early April. Those who have requested “buffers in a bag” will be contacted with additional information as the pick-up date approaches.
How about Somerset and Worchester ?
ReplyDeleteIf you read it... It's says "The following counties participate in the Program"
DeleteYou have to be smart in those counties to get the trees for free such as having someone in one of the other counties get the trees for you. Probably rules most residents in Somerset out of luck.
ReplyDeleteIt's government "feel good" BS. All of these plants are deciduous and don't do squat to absorb excess nutrients. If you want to reduce pollution, excess runoff and other problems plant grass instead!
ReplyDelete6:40
ReplyDeleteGrass would need to be maintained and clippings removed to have the best effect. Trees can uptake a large amount of nutrients. You do know that if you plant grass and do not maintain it, the area will go brush, shrub then trees?