The Kansas Forest Service’s 55th consecutive Conservation Tree Sales Program has reached mid-term. In spite of the weather, sales have been relatively brisk.  At the half-way point of the season, we are not sold out of any species, but we are running low on black walnut seed, elderberry, pawpaw, and persimmon.
As referenced in earlier news articles, the Conservation Tree’s program encourages landowners to plant trees and shrubs for conservation purposes. Approved uses of the agency’s plants include wildlife habitat, windbreaks, woodlots, riparian plantings, Christmas tree plantations, timber production, and other related conservation practices. Organizations considering planting seedlings for educational benefits are also eligible to order.
For program year 2011 the Kansas Forest Service is offering 26 species of trees and shrubs selected for hardiness in the central high plains. Most are bare-root stock, one to two years old and eight to eighteen inches tall, depending on species. Also offered are several evergreen species sold in containers. Along with conventional single species bundles sold in units of 25 seedlings, songbird, pheasant, and quail bundles are also offered with species included to help support these wild bird populations in Kansas.
Orders can be made by phoning 785-532-3300, toll free at 888-740-8733, or on-line at https://www.kansasforests.org/public_saps/Welcome.aspx. Order forms are also available at any county or district Kansas State University Research and Extension office, the USDA Service Center Offices, or on our website at http://www.kansasforests.org/conservation/downloads.shtml. Additional information is available by phoning the above numbers, or writing Kansas Forest Service, 2610 Claflin Road, Manhattan, KS 66502.