Putting conservation into action should be a year-round goal for everyone who inhabits the planet, but September is a particularly good time to get in to action. Two upcoming events in the St. Louis region and an annual sale will provide chances for people to improve their environment.
For those who want to plant native trees for a reforestation project or to replace invasive species, the George O. White State Forest Nursery opened its seedling sale on Tuesday. While the opportunity to buy bundles of trees and shrubs runs through April 15, many of the most popular species have limited availability and sell out quickly.
The nursery’s printed catalog is included in the September edition of the Missouri Conservationist magazine. With 36 options for trees and 17 wildlife shrubs, even if your first picks are gone, there are still many plants available.
Four evergreen, conifer species are the least expensive trees. Sold in bundles of 10 for 82 cents each, volume discounts are available for lots of 25 for 44 cents per tree, or 100 or more for 40 cents. The trees are eastern white pine, shortleaf pine, loblolly pine and a pitch and loblolly hybrid. Prices for bald cypress and Norway spruce trees match the costs of hardwood species and shrubs at $1.17 per seedling in bundles of 10.
As important as the low prices are the descriptions of each tree and suggestions for the best planting locations. Species are recommended with estimated mature heights, wildlife benefits and common uses like erosion control, wind breaks and habitat restoration.
Available trees that are suggested as food sources for wildlife include black cherry, walnut, hackberry, hickories, oaks, black gum, Osage orange, pecan and persimmon. Many of the listed shrubs are commonly known as trees, like three species of dogwood, pawpaw, serviceberry, wild plum and redbud. The shrub designation is based on a maximum height of 30 feet or less. The catalog includes an order form, but the best way to buy trees is online at mdc.mo.gov/seedlings.
A special event on Sept. 21 will provide in-person opportunities for home gardeners and landscapers to learn about the best plants for restoring nature and native species to backyards in the area. The Bring Conservation Home Expo unites the state Department of Conservation and St. Louis Audubon Society from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Tower Grove Park, 4257 Northeast Drive, in St. Louis.
“Community members can welcome a wider variety of birds and pollinators to their neighborhood by including native plants and nature stewardship in their own yards and other community spaces,” program director Dan Pearson said.
Educational exhibits will feature local conservation organizations, and native plants from local growers will be available for sale.
“For anyone new to native plant gardening, a team of volunteer native plant ambassadors will be available to answer questions,” Pearson said.
For information, go to short.mdc.mo.gov/4vg.
For people who want to try hands-on conservation on a community level, the Gravois Greenway/Grant’s Trail BioBlitz will ask volunteers to help conduct citizen-science from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 20.
Participants will survey the area recording plants, fungi and animal species. They can work individually while using the iNaturalist app or in guided groups. Those interested in a guided group session must register for that individual shift in advance at givepul.se/81iv15.
Participants should bring a mobile phone or tablet with the iNaturalist app installed and logged in. For information, go to short.mdc.mo.gov/4vN.
John Winkelman has been writing about outdoors news and issues in Jefferson County for more than 30 years and was the Associate Editor for Outdoor Guide Magazine. If you have story ideas for the Leader outdoor news page, e-mail ogmjohnw@aol.com, and you can find more outdoor news and updates at johnjwink.com.