LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) today encouraged residents to take part in spring tree sales put on by their county Conservation Districts, projects that offer the opportunity to buy seedlings and shrubs at inexpensive prices while supporting the work of these important grassroots organizations.
"Our conservation districts are a great example of residents taking action to protect our natural resources and our agricultural economy," said Brown, a member of the House Tourism, Outdoor Recreation and Natural Resources Committee. "Trees have so many benefits, from keeping our land, water and air healthy to simply making our communities more beautiful. Planting trees around your home can also enhance its value and cut your energy costs. These sales are a great chance to buy trees at excellent prices for a good cause."
The Huron and Tuscola Conservation Districts both offer a variety of tree seedlings and other items for bulk order, including Michigan's state tree, the white pine (25 seedlings for $15). Tuscola residents can contact the Tuscola County Conservation District at (989) 673-8174, ext. 3, or visit www.tuscolacd.org. The deadline to order in Tuscola County is April 11. Huron residents can contact the Huron Conservation District at (989) 269-9540, ext. 3, or visit www.huroncd.org. For Huron County, there is no deadline to order, but pick-up begins April 17 and 18. In both counties, orders are accepted first come, first served.
"Conservation programs like these are a key part of growing our tourism and agricultural industries and attracting more employers to provide good-paying jobs for our workers," said Brown, who encouraged residents to plant trees in celebration of Arbor Day, which is April 25. "Planting a tree is an investment in our future as well as an expression of hope and renewal.
"When our children and their children grow up, I want them to be able to enjoy the 'Green Thumb of Michigan' just as much as we have."