Eastern Redbuds, like the one shown here, are popular choices in the Monroe County Conservation Tree & Shrub program. File photo
For 50 years, the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District has hosted their successful tree and shrub program for landowners, proving that conservation doesn’t have to be complicated. Planting native trees and shrubs right at home can be a simple, but vastly beneficial, way to support local conservation efforts like providing wildlife food and shelter, erosion control, stormwater management, natural windbreaks, climate resilience, and more! Over 27,000 native and naturalized trees and shrubs were distributed fulfilling over 640 orders for residents last year alone supporting local conservation purposes!
The 2026 species list includes almost 40 different species including hardwoods, bare-root conifers, transplants, shrubs, flowering plants, and variety packs. We don’t just offer trees and shrubs either, offering other products great for conservation projects and/or promoting ecological stewardship activities including bat and bluebird houses, seed mixes, tree protection items, and more! Through this program, the District supports conservation efforts to enhance and protect the natural resources throughout Monroe County, while assisting residents to enhance and conserve those resources in their communities today for future generations.
Officials are happy to announce seven new items this year! All great conservation species, these trees and shrubs provide numerous benefits from wildlife shelter and food to increasing property aesthetics. New this year for trees are Concolor Fir, Northern Pecan, American Plum and new shrubs this year are Winterberry, False Indigo, Coralberry, and Black Chokeberry. Popular best-sellers like Streamco Willow, Red Maple, and our Edible Fruit-Pack all returned this year! Other returning conifers and trees are Colorado Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Eastern White Pine, White Spruce, Black Tupelo, American Sycamore, Eastern Redbud, Paper Birch, Red Oak, Sugar Maple, White Oak and White Flowering Dogwood. Returning shrubs are American Hazelnut, Ninebark and Red Osier Dogwood. Dense Blazing Star is a flowering plant being offered this year. The species in this program are the best choices for supporting conservation efforts, so check out all the benefits of these and our other selections by visiting our catalog: https://monroecountyswcd.org/tree-shrub-program/
Due to limited supply, pre-order by March 6, 2026 by mail, email or online ordering. Pre-ordered plants can be picked up at the Monroe County ecopark on April 23rd or 24th, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. We will also hold a first come, first serve overstock sale on April 25, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Please note that our tree species typically come as young, small rooted plants – we do not sell full grown trees. Once planted the small seedlings should take to the soil and grow leaves once spring arrives.
Those interested in this program can find the order form and our full color catalog on the District’s website: https://monroecountyswcd.org/tree-shrub-program/. If you have any questions or you’d like a form sent to you, contact the Monroe County Soil & Water Conservation District at: (585) 753-7380, Monday – Friday from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
