Speak for the Trees This Spring

By Jennifer Marangos

The Lorax doesn't have to be alone in speaking for the trees this spring, thanks to an annual seedling sale run by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Beginning Monday, PA residents, too, can do their part to help the environment, by ordering tree and shrub seedlings offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Howard Nurserythat will be ready for planting this spring, according to a Game Commission press release.

Most seedlings are sold in units of 25, the release says, but 100-seedling bundles also are available in mixes to benefit deer, game birds and songbirds, as well as to improve river and other habitats.

The 2014 order form contains a selection of evergreens, shrubs and fruit- and nut-bearing trees, the Game Commission says. Most species are native to Pennsylvania, and all of the available hardwoods are grown from seed collected from Pennsylvania sources and processed by Game Commission staff.

One of the new seedling bundles available this year is amixed-oak collection, the release says, which may contain some or all of northern red oak, white oak, chestnut oak, pin oak and black oak seedlings.

Discounts on some seedling varieties are available, according to the Game Commission, and discounts also are offered on larger orders. In some cases, discounts can bring costs down to as low as 15 cents per seedling.

The 2014 seedling order form is available online and the order form can be completed and submitted online, or printed out and faxed or mailed.

Order forms can be obtained at Game Commission offices or by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Howard Nursery, 197 Nursery Road, Howard, PA 16841.

Orders can be placed by telephone, as well. Contact the Howard Nursery at 814-355-4434, Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Generally, seedlings ship in the month of April.

More information, including details about the specific seedlings being sold, is available on the PA Game Commission website.