Tree and shrub planting workshop scheduled for March 8.

Tree and shrub planting workshop scheduled for March 8.

BALDWIN — A two hour tree and shrub planting workshop will be held on Friday, March 8 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Lake County Historical Society, 915 N. Michigan Ave. The program is presented by Manistee and Mason-Lake conservation districts, Forestry Assistance Program (FAP), and Michigan State University Extension.

It is designed for landowners interested in planting trees and shrubs.  Numerous topics will be discussed by Josh Shields, FAP Forester with the Manistee and Mason-Lake Conservation Districts, and Dave Jones, West Central Michigan Tree Fruit Extension Educator with Michigan State University Extension.  Topics will include:

• matching tree and shrub species to the proper site conditions
• selecting fruit tree cultivars based on desired use of fruit, susceptibility to disease, and other factors
• site preparation and planting techniques
• pruning methods for fruit trees
• proper handling and care of seedlings and fruit trees
• containerized versus bareroot stock
• spring versus autumn planting
• protecting trees and shrubs from white-tailed deer and other animals
• the use of tree and shrub planting for timber production, wildlife habitat conversion and enhancement, planting of under-represented species, and erosion control
• tree planting experiment implemented by Josh Shields in 2015   

The event will include Society of American Foresters continuing education credit and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program (MAEAP) Phase 1 education credit.

There is no cost for attending this workshop.  Snacks will be provided free of charge.

A suggested minimum donation of $10 per person is requested at the door to help offset costs of the event.

Registration deadline is Friday, March 1. For more information or to register, contact Josh Shields at 231-889-9666 or joshua.shields@macd.org; or Dani McGarry at 231-757-3707 ext. 5 or dani.mcgarry@macd.org.