The 39th annual statewide tree planting week is Feb. 3 through 9. Adams County Soil and Water Conservation District, along with other local sponsors, plans to give out free superior loblolly pine seedlings to the public on Arbor Day, Feb. 8, at the USDA Service Center, 110 Northgate Road, Natchez.

Loblolly pine seedlings will be given out from 7 a.m. to noon on a first come, first served basis, for as long as they last.

Personnel from Natural Resources Conservation Service, Mississippi Cooperative Extension Service, and other sponsoring agencies will be visiting all elementary schools during tree planting week and presenting an Arbor Day program to third-grade students.

The Adams County Soil & Water Conservation District Auxiliary has announced it will sell ornamental seedlings, at a nominal cost, from 7 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 8. This year, the following species are available: white crape myrtle, red crape myrtle, purple crape myrtle, flowering dogwood, Eastern redbud, golden rain tree, nuttall oak, bald cypress, persimmon and native sweet pecan.

The following fruit trees will be available for sale: Belle of Georgia, red skin peach, methley plum, Santa Rosa plum, moonglow and orient pear (one of each), yellow delicious and Mutsu apple (one of each) and wild crabapple.

The seedlings are “bareroot” seedlings approximately one and one half feet in height; they will be individually labeled and wrapped as purchased.

The SWCD auxiliary sale will be held in the garage at the USDA Service Center, 110 Northgate Road, Natchez.

Proceeds will be used to support school programs for conservation youth camp, safety day, poster contest and other conservation educational programs.

For more information on tree planting week, contact the Adams County Soil & Water Conservation District at 601-442-1790, ext. 3 and ask for me.

 

Pat Williams is the district coordinator for the Adams County Soil & Water Conservation District.