Putnam County 2023 Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale

February 11, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Jen Lerner
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County
845-278-6738 x216jjs95@cornell.edu

Putnam County 2023 Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale

CARMEL, NY – Putnam County Soil and Water Conservation District and Cornell Cooperative Extension Putnam County offer Putnam County's 2023 Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale.

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water Conservation have teamed up again to offer a wonderful selection of trees and shrubs. What's more, all proceeds of the sale will be dedicated to Cornell Cooperative Extension's new education center at the Tilly Foster Farm Institute. Help support Cornell and Putnam County with your purchase.

We are offering native trees, shrubs, and perennials that support birds and pollinators. Why native plants? Plants native to our area provide food and shelter for nesting birds and nectar and pollen for specialist pollinators like many of our native bees. "As worldwide insect populations plummet, our backyards, gardens, and parks can provide vital habitat for pollinator and birds, especially if we choose native plants well suited to our growing conditions," according to Jen Lerner, Senior Resource Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension. Vinny Tamagna, District Manager for the Putnam County Soil & Water Conservation District added, "a healthy bee population equals a healthy environment, and we all need to be responsible for nurturing nature." Be sure to shop before the deadline of March 24. Plants will be sold online only on a first-come first-reserved basis, and there are limited quantities of seedlings and trees.

NEW this year; cost-effective native plant plugs! These small perennial starts are a thrifty way to get a headstart on your pollinator habitat. Beautiful flowering shrubs like serviceberry, and buttonbush impress with flowers and provide pollen and nectar for bees and butterflies. Fruit trees this year include native pawpaws and persimmons, as well as pears and peaches, a great start to your home orchard.

The seedling sale has a long-standing tradition of planting trees and shrubs that create habitat and protect water quality. Trees reduce the amount of storm-water runoff, which reduces erosion and water pollution while stabilizing shorelines, reducing the effects of flooding.

Please visit: www.putnamcountyny.com/keepputnamgreen to see all that is available and more details on the order and pick-up dates.

For additional information, please contact Jen Lerner, Sr. Resource Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension jjs95@cornell.edu (845) 278-6738

For information about Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County's community programs and events, go to putnam.cce.cornell.edu/. Stay connected to CCEPC on Facebook at Facebook.com/cceputnam, and Instagram atInstagram.com/cceputnam and Twitter/@CCEPUTNAM

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County provides equal opportunity programs and employment opportunities. Don't hesitate to contact our office at 845-278-6738 if you have any special needs.

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Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. If you have a disability and are having trouble accessing this information or need materials in an alternate format, contact putnam@cornell.edu for assistance.