Free Trees for Somerset and Worcester County Backyard Buffers

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to landowners in Somerset and Worcester counties who have a creek, drainage ditch, stream or other waterway on or near their property through the Backyard Buffers program.

Trees and shrubs planted along waterways help improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, lowering peak water temperatures, reducing sediment and stabilizing stream banks.

Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, including bald cypress, river birch, serviceberry, spicebush and winterberry.

Maryland Forest Service staff will provide information on tree maintenance and planting techniques, in addition to suggestions of other suitable native species at the time of pickup.

Quantities are limited so reservations will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Order deadline is April 26.

Somerset County landowners should call 410-651-2004 to order. Pickup will be 10 a.m. to noon April 27 at the University of Maryland Extension Office, 30730 Park Drive, Princess Anne.

Worcester County landowners should call 410-641-4314 to order. Pickup will be 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. April 27 at Stephen Decatur Park, Tripoli Street, Berlin.