Orders Taken Until April 26

Photo by Ed Newton

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering free tree seedlings to Wicomico County landowners 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. Orders can be placed by calling 410-543-1950 by April 26. Pickup will be on April 27 at the Wicomico Extension Office at 28647 Old Quantico Road, Salisbury.