UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Planting native trees and shrubs is a powerful way to improve local stream health and water quality while also providing valuable wildlife habitat, noted organizers of an upcoming Penn State Extension webinar, who added that choosing the best species for specific landscape conditions can be a challenge.
Penn State Extension’s Master Watershed Steward program will hold its annual native tree and shrub sale this August, with pickup this fall in locations across the state. Funds will support watershed protection efforts by the Master Watershed Steward program.
To provide an overview of the 24 native tree and shrub species offered in the sale, Extension’s urban forestry and Master Watershed Steward programs will host a webinar, “Native Tree and Shrub Sale Species Overview and Q&A,” from 6 to 7:30 p.m. July 10.
This session will cover:
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The native tree/shrub species available in this year’s fundraiser.
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The benefits of adding native species to the landscape.
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Native tree and shrub species suitable for a wide range of landscape conditions.
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Which tree/shrub species support various wildlife species.
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How to purchase these locally through the annual native tree and shrub sale.
This webinar is aimed at anyone in Pennsylvania interested in planting native trees or shrubs; Pennsylvania residents interested in learning more about the native tree and shrub sale; landowners; park, city and school groundskeepers; municipalities and homeowners associations; watershed associations, conservation groups and volunteers; and students interested in ecology.
Participants can learn about recommended species for sunny and shady spots, dry to wet conditions, and everything in between.
No matter the conditions of a yard or other landscape, there is a beneficial native tree or shrub perfect for the spot, organizers noted.
They encourage participants to submit questions for the webinar in advance to help make the right tree and shrub selections for their property. Organizers will aim to answer all questions that come in prior to Friday, July 4.
All species discussed will be available for purchase Aug. 1-27 — or while supplies last —through the annual fundraiser.
Penn State Extension offers this webinar at no charge, but participants must register by July 10.
More information is available on the Penn State Extension website.
The Penn State Master Watershed Steward program provides extensive training in watershed management to volunteers who, in return, educate the community about watershed stewardship based on university research and recommendations. The program was established to strengthen local capacity for management and protection of watersheds, streams and rivers by educating and empowering volunteers across the commonwealth.