Annual Conservation
Tree & Plant Sales
District Tree and Plant Sales – Rooted in Conservation
Conservation districts nation-wide began selling trees as part of their services in response to the 1930s Dust Bowl and the need to address soil erosion on heavily degraded agricultural lands. Over the years, annual tree and plant sales have remained an integral part of district operations. Today in Michigan, conservation districts are primarily self-funded, and the revenue obtained through our annual tree and plant sales act as a major fundraiser that enables us to continue serving the public.
Monroe Conservation District holds three annual Conservation Tree and Plant Sales throughout the year. The primary purpose of these sales is to promote the purchase and planting of beneficial tree and plant species that will serve a wide variety of conservation purposes and provide ecological benefits to Monroe County and beyond. For example, most of the trees purchased and planted at our sales will go on to reduce soil erosion from wind as well as increase the amount of forested area in Monroe County, not to mention provide local wildlife with quality habitat and food sources which directly boosts reforestation efforts. While not every species sold at our sales are native to Michigan, we work tirelessly to support and encourage the planting of native species over invasive or ornamental plants and trees.
Monroe Conservation District does not grow, maintain, or store any of the trees and plants sold at any sale. We order our inventory from various nurseries and greenhouses at least 9 months in advance. Supplies are limited, so pre-ordering in advance is the best way to ensure everything on your order is fulfilled.
All proceeds of each sale directly support Monroe Conservation District and help fund operations year-round, which enables our staff to continue to provide excellent technical assistance and support to Monroe County farmers, producers, land owners, and residents.
Spring Tree Sale
Our Spring Tree Sale is our largest annual conservation tree and plant sale. From conifers and hardwood transplants and seedlings, shrubs and berries, daylilies and hostas, there is something to offer for everyone!
Order forms and the online catalog become available the first week of January. Pre-orders are accepted in advance, with a pre-order deadline at the end of March. Order pick-up is usually the second weekend of April at the Monroe County Fairgrounds, where any remaining inventory will be available for purchase on a first-come-first-served basis.
Native Plant Sale
Our Native Plant Sales offer a wide variety of native grasses, wildflowers, and other conservation-oriented plants for gardening and home landscaping. From milkweed to sweetgrass, we provide quality plants every year sourced from a local grower to ensure that all species are native to Michigan!
Order forms become available the first week of January, usually included with our Spring Tree Sale order forms. Pre-orders are accepted in advance, with a pre-order deadline at the end of May. Order pick-up is usually the second week of June at the Monroe Charter Township Nature Center, where any remaining inventory will be available for purchase on a first-come-first-served basis.
Other Products
While we do offer a range of additional products at all our conservation tree and plant sales, these products are also available for purchase year-round!
From marking flags to weed fabric squares, from fertilizer tablets to rain barrels, these items are intended to satisfy all your needs for planting, gardening, landscaping, and beyond.
Not seeing a product you want? Is there something missing that you think Monroe Conservation District should sell? Let us know! We are always open to improving our calatog and adding new products!
Send an email to monroecd@macd.org and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!