Shiawassee Conservation District Your Land, Your Water ~ Your Michigan

1900 S. Morrice Road ● Owosso, MI 48867 ● (989) 723-8263, Ext. 3 Winter/Spring 2020

Shiawassee Conservation District Annual Meeting

Thursday, February 20, 2020

Doors open at 5:30 PM, Dinner served at 6:00 PM

D’Mar Banquet & Conference Center 1488 N. M-52, Owosso

RSVP February 12, 2020 Shiawassee Conservation District (989) 723-8263, ext. 3

James Ziola

will be honored as the 2019 Conservation Farmer of the Year

Special presentation by Jerry Miller, President Michigan Association of Conservation Districts

We are honored to be joined by Gerald “Jerry” Miller, Ph.D., CPSS, and President, MACD. As a leader in conservation, Jerry will discuss today’s conservation issues in Michigan and the nation.

Dr. Miller served as a Professor of Agronomy at Iowa State University for 37 years, and later as an associate dean. During his academic career he conducted applied research in soil and water conservation, watershed management, and soil productivity and interpretation.

Jerry was raised on a farm in the Shenandoah Valley, VA and currently resides in Cascade Township, Kent County, where he serves as the board chair of the Kent Conservation District Board.

If you need accommodations to participate in this event, please contact the Shiawassee Conservation District at (989) 723-8263, ext. 3 by February 12, 2020. USDA is an equal opportunity employer, provider, and lender.

High Pollution Levels Found in Maple River Watershed The Shiawassee Conservation human use. This study also finds that water for recreation. The high levels of District recently collected a series of human and bovine waste is found in bacteria found in Maple River water samples in the Maple River all surface water in the watershed. tributaries contribute to river contact Watershed. The goal was to help Failing septic systems, illicit warnings and beach closures identify pollutants affecting water wastewater connections, drain tiles, downstream. quality. This study built upon existing and runoff containing manure are all This study highlights that more data pointing towards bacteria as a likely contributors. education and resources are needed major concern. Although significant Fortunately, there are to help restore water quality. Findings issues were found, opportunities are opportunities for homeowners and from this study will be incorporated available to help land users make producers to help. For a limited time, into an updated Maple River positive changes that improve water homeowners can receive financial Watershed Management Plan. The quality. assistance to replace failing septic Shiawassee Conservation District will The Conservation District collected systems. Incentives programs are also use this plan to seek out additional water samples from eleven surface available for producers to adopt resources to help land users make water ditches across the watershed conservation practices that manage positive changes to improve water during two wet weather and two dry nutrients and capture and filter quality in the Maple River Watershed weather collections. Wet weather runoff. and beyond. sampling was done after a significant While drains and ditches in This study is a part of a larger rainfall (greater than a quarter inch Shiawassee County may not often be effort by the Conservation District to within 12 hours, or a half inch within used for swimming, accidental contact address nonpoint source pollution in 24 hours). Overland flow sources, such by adults, children, and pets can the Maple River Watershed. Funding as runoff from adjacent lands and occur. Additionally, the Maple River comes from a Conservation District heavier flows from drain tiles, are flows toward the Grand River and grant from the Michigan Department primary pollution sources during wet eventually Lake Michigan, and these of EGLE’s Nonpoint Source Program by weather. Dry weather collections are bacteria flow with it. Michigan is the U.S. EPA. more indicative of baseflow sources, known for its Great Lakes and surface such as failing septic systems, illicit connection pipes, and drain tiles. Protect Your Farm with an Emergency Plan For each sampling event, water This year, make a resolution to plan to quickly decide how to handle was analyzed to determine levels of E. give yourself peace of mind by farmstead hazards, such as fires or coli bacteria. E. coli lives in the becoming prepared to respond if an chemical spills. intestines of healthy humans and emergency occurs. A farm emergency An emergency plan should contain animals, and is used to indicate if a plan contains emergency contact an up-to-date inventory of stored waste source is present. Samples that information, as well as farm maps and products (pesticides, fertilizers and exceeded the limit deemed safe for information for handling chemicals farm flammables) and their storage swimming underwent further analysis and manure stored on the farm. First locations, along with a list of the farm to determine if human or bovine responders and firefighters use the nearby emergency equipment and sources were present. Of the samples supplies. This list of chemicals is collected during the wet weather critical to emergency responders, and period, 86% exceeded the safe limit helps them to know how to help if a for bacteria in surface water, and disaster occurs. 100% of these water samples had human and bovine sources. Dry Emergency plans should be dated weather sampling found 68% of water and filed in at least three locations on samples exceeded the safe limit. the farm-- the farm office, in the These samples were all found to have emergency tube or in farm human and bovine sources present. vehicles/tractors. Plans stored in emergency tubes should be protected The key takeaway for this study is E-tubes store your farm emergency from moisture with an air-tight plastic that the Maple River Watershed has plan, and are available from the bag, laminated paper or plastic paper. significant issues with E. coli bacteria Conservation District. (Continued on page 5) in the water, making it unsafe for 2

Winter/Spring Workshop Opportunities

RSVP to all workshops by contacting the Shiawassee Conservation District at (989) 723-8263 x3

Shop Talk Series Join the Shiawassee Conservation District and other conservation professionals to discuss conservation topics of interest to Shiawassee County farmers. 9:00 AM—11:00 AM The talks will be casual, and conversations will be crowd-led. You can expect: Thursday, February 27 • Collaboration among farming peers. Hosted by Thomas Braid, Braid Farms • Discussions of real-world experiences with conservation on local farms. 3107 E. Newburg Road, Durand • Camaraderie and opportunities for open and honest sharing of Thursday, March 12 challenges and success by participants. Hosted by David Eickholt, • To be encouraged to join the conversation about ways that work for Eickholt Farms production and healthy natural resources! 4367 E. North Ridge Road, Chesaning Come ready to ask questions and learn from others’ experiences. Thursday, March 26 Hosted by Scott Miller, RUP Credits and MAEAP Phase 1 Credit Pending Miller Family Farms Refreshments will be provided!

6757 N. Warren Road, Elsie Have topic suggestions or want to host a future shop talk? Let us know!

No cost to attend, RSVP is appreciated

Backyard Beekeeping Interested in beekeeping, but unsure about how to start? This workshop is for beginning beekeepers to help answer questions, avoid pitfalls, and understand Workshop what is necessary to get stated in beekeeping.

Saturday, February 8 • Bee biology and behavior Earn a MAEAP Phase 1 Credit! 9:00 AM—12:00 PM • Needed apiary equipment

Shiawassee County Fairgrounds • Honey production using common kitchen utensils

2900 E. Hibbard Road, Corunna Dave Anthony, owner of Anthony Bee Farms and Leo Stevens, owner of S&L

$5 per person Honey Farm, are local beekeepers with over 60 years combined beekeeping RSVP by Monday, February 3 experience. Participants should come ready to ask questions as they arise and leave inspired for their own beekeeping operations!

Winter Forestry Join the Shiawassee Conservation District on a morning nature walk with Nature Walk District Forester, Chris Worst. Chris will cover a variety of forestry related topics, including:

Saturday, February 29 • Basic tree identification in the wintertime 9:00 AM—12:00 PM • Invasive species DeVries Nature Conservancy • Maintaining healthy forests 2635 N. M-52, Owosso Participants are encouraged to ask questions as they walk through the No cost to attend beautiful wooded trails at DeVries. Be sure to dress for the weather! RSVP by Monday, February 24

Pruning Workshop Join the Shiawassee Conservation District for an educational morning learning the basics of pruning trees, including: Saturday, March 7 9:00 AM—12:00 PM • When to prune • What to prune Shiawassee County Fairgrounds • How to prune 2900 E. Hibbard Road, Corunna • Type of pruning tools and techniques $5 per person The last portion of this workshop will be at a nearby orchard. The orchard is RSVP by Monday, March 2 less than 2 miles from the fairgrounds. Transportation will not be provided. 3

Time is Running Out on Maple River Watershed Programs The Maple River Watershed during the following growing season. Program are completely voluntary and Project may have entered its final Residue management and no-till open for a limited time. To find out if year, but there is still time to take farming involves little to no you qualify, and for more information advantage of its exclusive programs! disturbance to the soil when planting on how you can make positive The Septic System Assistance crops. This helps to protect against changes to help our most precious Program is open to homeowners in soil erosion and nutrient loss. Nutrient water resources, contact the the watershed who have failing septic management is managing the rate, Conservation District. systems. The Agricultural Incentive type, and source of nutrients applied. These programs are part of a Program is open to producers who are Filter strips are areas of grasses larger effort by the Conservation interested in trying conservation on planted along waterways with the District to address nonpoint source their land. Both intent of capturing and filtering runoff pollution in the Maple River programs are Last chance for these from a crop field. Cost-share is Watershed. Funding comes from a intended to financial incentives! available to try these practices Conservation District grant from the address nonpoint through the Agricultural Michigan Department of EGLE’s source pollution and improve water Incentive Program. Nonpoint Source Program by the U.S. quality in the Maple River Watershed. The Septic System Assistance EPA. The Maple River flows from the Program and Agricultural Incentive headwaters in Shiawassee County and joins with the Grand River, which ends The Conservation District Welcomes Colleen Gleason up in Lake Michigan. The Upper Maple seasonal positions with the Michigan River Watershed encompasses a Department of Natural Resources and majority of the west, mid, and north was an intern at West Michigan portions of Shiawassee County. This Environmental Action Council; there area has limited access to sanitary she led workshops on how to combat sewers, and water quality monitoring stormwater runoff and helped teach has demonstrated that failing septic children about watersheds and systems are an issue. To help, the pollution. Conservation District is offering the We live in the state that has 20% Septic System Assistance Program to of the world’s fresh surface water. homeowners in this area. Protecting our water from pollution is Signs of septic system failure incredibly important for us and for include wet and spongy ground in the The Shiawassee Conservation future generations. We can help area of the drain field, slow or backed- District is pleased to welcome Colleen mitigate the water pollution problem up drains, and an odor in the house or Gleason as its new Watershed through an individual and combined yard. If your system is showing any of Technician. effort from everyone. these trouble signs, now is the time to Gleason graduated from Grand “The most effective way to start act! The Septic System Assistance Valley State University in 2017 with a controlling pollution is to start at your Program will cover 75% (up to bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources home and catch it early,” stated $15,000) of the cost of a new septic Management. Her interests include Gleason. “I am available to provide system. This is the final year for a wildlife, plants, conservation, and assistance with any questions or program of this type—Don’t miss public education on important natural concerns you have regarding pollution out! resource topics. sources around your home.” Whether The Conservation District is also Prior to joining the Conservation you are dealing with erosion issues, offering financial incentives to District, Gleason worked with an managing animal wastes, septic system producers in the Maple Watershed to ecological restoration company in concerns, or anything else relating to try conservation practices on their Brighton, MI. While working there, she pollution and watersheds, Gleason can farm. Cover crops are non-harvested focused on soil erosion mitigation, help provide information of the crops planted in the fall to keep the invasive species control, and large- resources available to you. Contact the ground covered during winter months. scale native planting and seeding Conservation District for more They also capture and store nutrients, projects. While attending Grand Valley information. which are released back into the soil State University, Gleason worked 4

Things To Think About When Planting Trees Trees are tree-rific, but is the tree Light is also very important to important when selecting a tree or you want right for your property? consider. Sugar maple, for example, shrub to make sure that your choice is While you might think all trees are can germinate and grow under a not invasive, as many invasive plants more-or-less created equal, they’re dense forest canopy with very little are still sold in Michigan and not. Your back yard might be perfect light, and quickly fill the gap when an elsewhere.” for a red maple, but lousy for growing old tree falls. Quaking aspen, on the A few commonly-seen trees are a red pine. Knowing a little about your other hand, needs a lot of light now risky to plant altogether. Blue property, and the trees you want to throughout its life, and may die if spruce – planted in Michigan for plant, can help you have a healthy tree placed in even a little shade. It’s very decades – is susceptible to a variety of to enjoy for years to come! important to know how much light fungal pathogens collectively known your tree requires, and how much as “spruce decline.” If you decide to light the site you want to plant it in plant spruce, it’s best to make sure receives. you plant them somewhere with good Some tree and shrub species are drainage. It’s also important that also considered invasive. An invasive spruces have good airflow, and are not species is anything alive – be it a plant, planted tightly together. a bug, a mammal, or anything else – Who knew there was so much to that is not native to Michigan and consider when it comes to planting negatively impacts (or could trees! If you’re a little lost, would like negatively impact) our economy, more information, or have any environment, or human health. Many questions, please contact the non-native plants were once widely Shiawassee Conservation District planted for wildlife purposes – such as today! These black walnuts are well-suited to Autumn olive – and are now the rich, loamy soil in which they were considered to be invasive. “Invasive Protect Your Farm with an Emergency planted. plants can harm the ecosystem by Plan, continued from page 2 Soil is probably the most outcompeting beneficial native The plan should also be filed with the important thing to consider when plants,” states Conservation District local fire department, 911, and the planting trees. Soil controls everything Forester Chris Worst. “It is very local emergency planning committee. from how quickly water will drain after Taking time to consider the risks a storm, to the nutrients available for on your farm will help in developing your tree. Some tree species – like the your emergency plan. The eastern red cedar – can grow just Conservation District can help! “A about anywhere, but others are Farm*A*Syst is a confidential risk pickier. Some species – like willows – assessment based on the Michigan can tolerate a lot of water, while Right-to-Farm generally accepted others – such as black oaks – can agricultural management practices, or handle dry sites. GAAMPs,” stated Agricultural But how do you know what the Technician Andrea Wendt. “We are soil is like on your property? The available to help you understand and USDA-NRCS has developed a handy identify risks to protect your farm, online tool called the web soil survey family, and natural resources.” to do just that: Emergency planning protects your websoilsurvey.sc.egov.usda.gov/. The family and your farm. A customized tool also creates a report detailing farm emergency plan and confidential everything you would ever want to risk assessment helps you take know about your soil. If you would like precautions to protect people, food, some assistance, visit the Shiawassee water, and the environment. A farm Conservation District and we’ll make a This balsam fir is able to grow tall visit is the place to start. Contact the report for you. despite growing in a dense canopy. Conservation District to schedule yours today! 5

Add These Wonderful Shrubs To Your Garden! The Shiawassee Conservation and raspberry plants, thimbleberry District has two great new shrubs for creates pretty, red fruit in the late sale this year! summer and early fall. The delicious Thimbleberry brings a delicious berries can be made into jams or taste of northern Michigan to your eaten raw. They are also a favorite of garden. Closely related to blackberry many wildlife species. Swamp rose is a beautiful shrub often found in wet areas. It produces beautiful pinkish-white flowers in June and July which turn into red rose hips later in the season. These rose hips are loved by birds and other wildlife, Swamp rose has beautiful pinkish- and are much more nutritious than white flowers. Photo credit: James R. those of the invasive multiflora rose. Holland, Bugwood.org Both thimbleberry and swamp information on these or any of the rose are native to Michigan. Choosing other trees and shrubs we have for Thimbleberry produces delicious red native plants helps protect our sale, please contact the Shiawassee fruit in the late summer and early fall. environment from invasive pests, and Conservation District today! Photo credit: Rob Routledge, Sault helps maintain our precious College, Bugwood.org ecosystems. If you would like more Why Are Invasive Species A Problem? The term “invasive species” gets Garlic mustard is also considered species haven’t reached Michigan yet, tossed around a lot these days. It can invasive because it is native to Europe, but could be devastating if they did. make you think of dead trees in your Africa and Asia, and crowds out native You are the expert on your woods, slaughtered by the Emerald plants. property! If you see something odd – Ash Borer. Or, you might think of all Keep an eye out for invasive like strange plants or bugs you’ve the time you’ve spent pulling weeds in species on your property! Many never seen before – then say your garden. But what exactly is an invasive plants and animals are something! Bring insects, photos, or invasive species? And why should you widespread in Shiawassee County. your questions to the Shiawassee care? They can damage crops, trees, and the Conservation District. By definition, an invasive species local ecosystem. Many invasive in Michigan is any living thing that meets two specific criteria: • It is not native to Michigan, and • It harms – or could harm – Michigan’s environment, economy, or human health.

Many of the animals and plants that people consider annoying or harmful are not considered “invasive” because they were here long before the first European settlers got here. Ticks, for example, cause harm to human health, but most aren’t considered invasive. The Emerald Ash Borer fits the bill. Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant that crowds-out native plants, and can It’s from China and devastated even damage infrastructure. Michigan’s environment and economy.

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SPRING 2020 TREE SALE ORDER FORM Office Use Only SHIAWASSEE CONSERVATION DISTRICT Order Number

Name Address Date Received

City Zip

Phone-Day Evening Processor’s Initials

Email FINAL DATE TO ORDER: April 3, 2020 • Supplies are limited. First orders received will take first priority. Final date to order seed mixes: March 20, 2020 Orders can be picked up Thursday, April 16 from 9 AM to 7 PM and Friday, April 17 from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Shiawassee County Fairgrounds, Draft Horse Barn

TRANSPLANTS Size Age ▲ 5 10 25 50 100 QUANTITY TOTAL

Balsam Fir 12-22” P+2 $15.00 $30.00 $60.00 $100.00 $170.00

Norway Spruce 15-24” 2-1 $15.00 $30.00 $60.00 $100.00 $170.00

White Cedar 15-24” 2-2 $15.00 $30.00 $60.00 $100.00 $170.00

White Pine 12-18” 2-2 $15.00 $30.00 $60.00 $100.00 $170.00 CONIFERS White Spruce 15-24” 2-1 $15.00 $30.00 $60.00 $100.00 $170.00 BARE ROOT SEEDLINGS Size Age ▲ 5 10 25 50 100 500 1000 QUANTITY TOTAL

Norway Spruce 9-15” 2-0 $4.00 $7.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $195.00 ***

Red Cedar 5-10” 1-0 $4.00 $7.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $195.00 ***

Red Pine 6-14” 2-0 $4.00 $7.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $195.00 ***

White Cedar 7-12” 2-0 $4.00 $7.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $195.00 *** CONIFERS White Pine 6-12” 2-0 $4.00 $7.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $195.00 ***

White Spruce 9-15” 2-0 $4.00 $7.00 $15.00 $25.00 $45.00 $195.00 ***

Butternut 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

Chinkapin Oak 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

Shagbark Hickory 12-18” 2-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

Sugar Maple 12-18” 2-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

DECIDUOUS Swamp White Oak 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

White Oak 12-18’ 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** *** Black Elderberry 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

Highbush Cranberry 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

Nannyberry 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** ***

Swamp Rose 12-18” 2-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** *** SHRUBS Thimbleberry 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** *** Winterberry 12-18” 1-0 $10.50 $19.50 $45.00 $70.00 *** *** *** SINGLE LARGE TREES SIZE EACH QUANTITY TOTAL

Manchurian Crabapple 4-6’ $20.00

Red Oak 5-6’ $20.00 Sycamore 5-6’ $20.00

Tulip Poplar 5-6’ $20.00 DECIDUOUS White Flowering Dogwood 3-4’ $10.00

*** Contact the District to place a special order SUBTOTAL ▲ Age: 1st number: years grown in seedling bed, P=1 year grown in plug container 2nd number: years grown in transplant bed Fruit Trees & Seed Mixes Example: 2+1 is a 3 year old seedling, grown 2 years in a seedling bed and 1 year in a transplant bed on back side! 7

FRUIT TREES POLLINATION SIZE EACH QUANTITY TOTAL Ambrosia Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Arkansas Black Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Cortland Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Cox’s Orange Pippen Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Gale Gala Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Granny Smith Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Honeycrisp Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Royal Red Honeycrisp Apple Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Bing Cherry Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Montmorency Cherry Self Fertile 4-6’ $20.00 Stella Cherry Self Fertile 4-6’ $20.00 Anjou Pear Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Bartlett Pear Requires Cross Pollination 4-6’ $20.00 Coralstar Peach Self Fertile 4-6’ $20.00 President Plum Self Fertile 4-6’ $20.00 Goldcot Apricot Self Fertile 4-6’ $20.00 Independence Nectarine Self Fertile 4-6’ $20.00 FOOD PLOT & WILDFLOWER MIXES DESCRIPTION EACH QUANTITY TOTAL All seed mixes MUST be ordered no later than MARCH 20, 2020 Forage Pea & Bean Mix Soybeans, winter peas, iron clay cow peas, black $15.00 per 5 cow peas, other high quality forage beans pounds

No-Till Deer Plot Mix Clovers and alfalfas $12.00 per 1 pound Fall & Winter Mix Wheat, oats, rye, deer forage radish, and other $15.00 per 5 high quality forage grains pounds

Deer Screen Switchgrass Blend A mixture of three different varieties of $19.00 per 1 switchgrass, tallest growing 6-8 feet tall pound

Game Bird Mix W.G.F. sorghum, early milo, proso millet, and $15.00 per 5 more high yielding millets and short sorghums. pounds Butterfly Wildflower Seed Mix 1 ounce sows 125 square feet $5.00 per ounce Midwest Wildflower Seed Mix 1 ounce sows 250 square feet $5.00 per ounce Pollinator Wildflower Seed Mix 1 ounce sows 200 square feet $5.00 per ounce PLANTSKYDD DESCRIPTION EACH QUANTITY TOTAL Pre-Mixed Spray 1qt pre-mixed spray / 1.32 gallon pre-mixed $22.00 / $60.00 Soluble Powder 1lb powder - mix with water $28.00 Granular 1lb container / 3.5 lb container $15.00 / $25.00

 Tree flags will be available to purchase when trees are picked up at the fairgrounds  TOTAL FRONT TOTAL BACK FOR USE WITH CREDIT CARD PAYMENT 6% TAX CARD NO - Visa or MasterCard: HANDLING FEE $2.00 EXP. DATE: CODE: ZIP CODE: SUBTOTAL DONATION NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD: GRAND TOTAL Send order form & full payment to: Shiawassee Conservation District Payments can be made by 1900 S. Morrice Road, Owosso, MI 48867 cash, check, or

Contact the Shiawassee Conservation District for more information at (989) 723-8263 x3 VISA/MasterCard

It is unlawful for these trees, shrubs and other plants to be resold with the roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act PA 189 of 1931 as amended. 8

Food Plot Mixes 2020 Spring Tree Sale Ordering Must be ordered by March 20, 2020 Information & Guidelines Forage Pea & Bean Mix • Return the completed order form with full 5 lbs for $15.00 payment to: A mix of soybeans, winter peas, iron clay cow peas, black cow Shiawassee Conservation District peas and other high quality forage peas. Mix was developed 1900 S. Morrice Rd. for clay or sandy soils. A great fall food plot for deer (when Owosso, MI 48867 fertilized properly and good soil pH). Plant in spring when (989) 723-8263, ext 3 ground temps warm up, or in late summer, early fall for just a • The final date to order isApril 3, 2020. Seed mixes forage crop. Plant 40 to 50 pounds per acre. must be ordered by March 20, 2020. No-Till Deer Plot Mix • After orders are placed, there will be a $25 1 lb for $12.00 service charge for any substitutions or A mix of clovers and alfalfas. Mix was developed to be cancellations. There will be no charge when broadcast and raked lightly or drilled with minimum tillage. only additions are made to an existing order. Ideal for small areas in the woods or on trails that are • No refunds on orders cancelled after April 3, 2020. inaccessible to farm equipment. If possible, mow the annual weeds or grasses once or twice the first year, keeping to a 6- • We do not guarantee survival. Our liability ceases 8 inch height. Mow in late summer to early fall annually to when seedlings are picked up. It is unlawful for promote green growth for winter feeding. Mix is winter these trees, shrubs and other plants to be resold hardy. Plant 10 pounds per acre. with the roots attached in accordance with the Insect Pest and Plant Disease Act. PA 189 of 1931 Fall & Winter Mix as amended. 5 lbs for $15.00 • All plant material has been found to be in A mix of wheat, oats, rye, deer forage radish, and other high compliance with the National Plant Board quality forage grains that will stay green into the winter standards of pest freedom. MDARD Pesticide and months. Provides excellent food source for deer. This annual Plant Pest Management Division, mix will also work great for early bow season because oats License/Certificate NCI000670. and radishes are the key ingredients. Plant in late summer or • early fall for best results. It will grow on a wide variety of The Shiawassee Conservation District reserves the soils, even clay or sandy conditions. This mix works best if right to cancel orders and refund payments due to planted with a grain drill, it can be broadcast seeded as well. reasons beyond their control. Plant 20 to 30 pounds per acre. • Substitutions made by the nurseries are beyond the District’s control. Deer Screen Switchgrass Blend 1 lb for $19.00 • Add orders carefully. Any errors $10 and under will be considered a donation to the District. A mix of three different varieties of switchgrass (2 medium and a tall variety, growing 6-8 feet tall). Switchgrass is a • All donations will be deposited into the vigorous warm season, native perennial grass which can be Shiawassee Conservation District general fund. planted for many purposes, including livestock grazing and • Pictures and descriptions of all plants are available wildlife cover. Once established, mix will provide cover for in the District office. 15-20 years. Plant 10-15 pounds per acre. • Orders not picked up will not be refunded. Game Bird Mix • All returned checks will be subject to a $35 fee. 5 lbs for $15.00 • Order pick up dates and times are as follows:

A mix of wild game food sorghum, early milo, proso millet,

and more high yielding millets and short sorghums. This mix was developed for those who want to attract or raise Thursday, April 16, 9 AM - 7 PM pheasant or quail. Mix will grow 3-4 feet tall, 4-5 feet when Friday, April 17, 9 AM - 4 PM properly fertilized. Provides thick cover and has excellent Shiawassee County Fairgrounds standability for the winter. Can be sprayed to control broad Draft Horse Barn leaf weeds. Matures in 80-90 days. Plant 8 to 10 pounds per acre. 2900 E. Hibbard Rd, Corunna

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Tree/Shrub Descriptions

Variety Soils Notes

Height Shade * Tolerance MINative Balsam Fir 40-80’ Can grow in poorly-drained swamps to well- Needles are persistent, aromatic, do not shed ✓  (Abies balsamea) drained uplands. readily. Common Christmas tree. Norway Spruce 50-85’ Prefers moist (but not wet) soils. Can grow on Winter cover for wildlife; shallow root system  (Picea abies) infertile soils, but cannot be dry. in clay or poorly-drained soils. Red Cedar 30-50’ Well adapted for most soils; drought resistant. Excellent wildlife value, providing food, ✓ 

(Juniperus virginiana) protective & nesting cover.

Red Pine 65-100’ Prefers well-drained, dry, very acidic, sandy Seeds used by songbirds & small mammals. ✓  (Pinus resinosa) soils.

Conifers White Cedar 30-50’ Prefers neutral to alkaline soils; tolerates both Foliage & twigs eaten by deer; fruit eaten by ✓  (Thuja occidentalis) poorly-drained lowlands and drier uplands. birds; good for screens & hedges. White Pine 70-100’ Adaptable to most soils; prefers well-drained, Great for windbreaks; soft needles; a preferred ✓  (Pinus strobus) sandy soils. deer-food. White Spruce 50-85’ Able to establish on wet sites; can grow on Winter cover for wildlife; can grow on edges of ✓  (Picea glauca) moderately-moist soils. swamps, rivers, lakes, etc. Butternut 40-60’ Moist, fertile soils along riverbanks, lower Produces nuts in October. Closely related to ✓  (Juglans cinerea) slopes, coves. Black Walnut. Chinkapin Oak 50-80’ Best in moist bottomlands with basic or neutral Acorns are sweet, palatable; eaten by squirrels, (Quercus ✓  soil; tolerates dry sites with soils rich in lime. mice, chipmunks, deer, turkey, & other birds. muehlenbergii) Manchurian Crabapple Semi- A flowering crabapple used to pollinate other apple varieties; white flowers are very prolific Dwarf pollen producers; blooms early & through midseason; small apples are eaten by birds & small 12-15’ mammals. Red Oak 75-100’ Prefers dry, upland soils. Acorns eaten by turkey & blue jay; relatively ✓  (Quercus rubra) free of insect & disease pests.

Shagbark Hickory 60-80’ Adaptable to many soils; likes well-drained Older bark has interesting, shaggy appearance. ✓  (Carya ovata) soils; some drought-tolerance. Nuts are edible. Sugar Maple 60-100’ Prefers moist, well-drained soils; fertile soil to Beautiful fall colors; main source of maple ✓ 

(Acer saccharum) clay; not drought tolerant. syrup; a preferred food for deer. Deciduous Swamp White Oak 50-80’ Tolerant of poorly-drained soils; often found in Acorns are eaten by squirrels, ducks, and other ✓  (Quercus bicolor) floodplains, swamps, and stream edges. wildlife. Sycamore 65-100’ Moist soils, especially near rivers, floodplains, Flood-tolerant; fast-growing; bark flakes off, ✓  (Platanus occidentalis) lakeshores, etc. giving trunk interesting appearance. Tulip Poplar 60-110’ Prefers well-drained, moist, fertile, acidic soil. Fragrant greenish-yellow, tulip-like flowers ✓  (Liriodendron tulipifera) May-June; fruit attracts birds. White Oak 70-90’ Coarse, deep, moist, well-drained, slightly acid Acorns eaten by wildlife, poisonous to humans; ✓  (Quercus alba) soils; drought-tolerant. long-lived (500-600 years). White Flowering 16-33’ Wide site tolerance; intolerant of flooded sites. Beautiful flowers May/June; dense clusters of Dogwood ✓  green leaves surrounded by 4 very large white (Cornus florida) or pinkish petals. Black Elderberry 4-12’ Well drained, slightly acid soils along streams; White flowers in late June-August; edible ✓  (Sambucus canadensis) gray forest soils; muck soils. berries late July-September. Highbush Cranberry 8-12’ Frequent along streams, open White flower clusters May-June; scarlet fruit in ✓  (Viburnum trilobum) or lightly-shaded swamps, wet areas. September, persists into winter. Nannyberry 15-18’ Wide variety of soil conditions; poor drought Creamy-white flowers early to mid May; ✓ 

Shrubs (Viburnum lentago) tolerance. red/blue fragrant, edible berry. Swamp Rose 2-7’ Grows best in damp or rich loamy soil. Pink flowers, flowering midseason for 6-8 (Rosa palustris) ✓  weeks; fruit is red & fleshy; attractive shrub the entire year; fruit eaten by wildlife. Thimbleberry 3-8’ Best in moist, nutrient-rich soils with good Fragrant white flowers & large star-shaped (Rubus parviflorus) ✓  drainage, but tolerates a wide range of soil leaves form dense cover; thornless; attract conditions. pollinators; food, forage & nesting for wildlife. Winterberry 5-15’ Low, moist, cool, basic or acidic habitats with Small greenish or yellowish-white flowers; ✓  (Ilex verticillata) high water tables. showy red berries in fall & winter; wildlife food. * Shade Tolerance:  Shade Intolerant;  Moderately Shade Intolerant;  Shade Tolerant;  Very Shade Tolerant 10

Fruit Tree Descriptions Variety Size Description Picking Date Pollination Ambrosia Apple Semi-Dwarf Aromatic with pleasing flavor; medium to large fruit with creamy-yellow 9/30-10/10 Requires cross background and pink blush; fruit is sweet and juicy; eaten fresh or pollination processed. Arkansas Black Apple Semi-Dwarf Heirloom apple; dark red-skinned; firm, crisp; can be eaten fresh, made 10/20-10/30 Requires cross into cider, or used for processing. pollination Cortland Apple Semi-Dwarf Heirloom apple; productive tree bears ruby red, large, round fruit with 8/25-9/5 Requires cross white, very juicy & crisp flesh that won’t brown in salads; great for pies pollination and cider. Cox’s Orange Pippen Semi-Dwarf Classic antique English apple; complex flavor hints of orange & mango; 9/30-10/10 Requires cross Apple yellow skin with orange-red blush; eaten fresh & in pies, sauces or ciders. pollination Gale Gala Apple Semi-Dwarf 90-100% full-red color apple with deep red striping; mildly sweet flavor, 8/30-9/5 Requires cross crisp & firm; good eating apple. pollination Granny Smith Apple Semi-Dwarf Green apple; crisp bite & sweet-tart flavor; eaten fresh, baking and cider. 11/10-11/20 Requires cross pollination Honeycrisp Apple Semi-Dwarf Very crisp, juicy & sweet tasting apple; very hardy & productive; excellent 9/15-9/20 Requires cross dessert apples for fresh eating, pies, applesauce & crisps. pollination Royal Red Semi-Dwarf Crisp, sweet, juicy texture; eaten fresh, pies, sauces, & baked goods; 9/15-9/20 Requires cross Honeycrisp Apple highly colored red. pollination Bing Cherry Standard Fruit is dark mahogany from its glossy skin to its dense, juicy flesh; 6/15-6/20 Requires cross exceptionally large and flavorful; no. 1 commercial sweet cherry sold in pollination North America. Montmorency Standard Most popular cherry in the U.S.A.; compact tree bears armloads of ripe, 7/20-7/25 Self fertile Cherry tangy tart cherries; medium, bright red fruit; clear juicy flesh; great for pies & cobblers. Stella Cherry Standard Large, dark fruit; heart shaped and flavorful; tree is vigorous & 6/15-6/20 Self fertile productive. Can cross pollinate Bing Anjou Pear Semi-Dwarf Bright green fruit, very firm at harvest with a tinge of yellow as they 9/20-9/25 Requires crop ripen; Subtly sweet, fine-textured flash; cold-hardy, vigorous tree. pollination Bartlett Pear Semi-Dwarf Most popular pear tree worldwide; large fruit; smooth, juicy & white- 8/30-9/5 Requires cross fleshed, with a bit of tartness; partially self-fertile, makes an excellent pollination pollinator for other varieties. CoralStar Peach Standard Large, freestone peach with 90% red color; flesh is firm with wonderful 8/30-9/5 Self fertile flavor; holds well on tree & in storage; shows resistance to bacterial spot and canker, and has no split pits. President Plum Standard Large, blue/purple skin with yellow flesh; eaten fresh or culinary use; 9/20 Self fertile vigorous tree; heavy producer. Goldcot Apricot Standard Variety can withstand cold winters; researchers bred this tree in 7/25-7/30 Self fertile Michigan’s snowbelt so you can depend on its hardiness, vigor, & production consistency; medium-sized round fruit, moderately tough golden skin & firm orange flesh; sweet, tangy flavor; freestone; perfect for fresh eating or canning. Independence Standard Freestone, large, gold fruit blushed with a brilliant cherry-red; rich, tangy- 7/30-8/5 Self fertile Nectarine sweet flavor. Planting instructions are available on the District’s website, at their office, and when picking up your order at the fairgrounds.

Shiawassee Conservation District • (989) 723-8263 ext. 3 1900 S. Morrice Road, Owosso • www.shiawasseeccd.org Fruit Tree Sizes Cross Pollination Some varieties of fruit trees offered in this sale require cross pollination to Standard produce fruit. To have cross pollination in an orchard there must be more than Semi-Dwarf one variety of the same type of fruit in each planting. Dwarf Another option for apple pollination is to plant a crabapple tree, such as the Manchurian Crabapple (available to purchase for $20.00). They take up less space and produce an abundance of attractive flowers.

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2020 Spring Tree Sale Information Inside!

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conserve

NRCS Technician, Conservation Soil Lienau, Greg

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. LARGE TOO OR

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ON IMPACT POSITIVE

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