FREE TREE & SHRUB SEEDLINGS

with the MD DNR Backyard Buffer Program

This year's theme is: Buffers for Birds: Creating a Landscape That Will Make a Difference

Register for your free bag of native seedlings by April 7, 2025; Bag pickup will be at the:

“Buffers for Birds” Workshop

April 12, 2025

Presentations 9am-12:30pm (Seedling Pickup: 8am-1pm)

Washington County Ag Education Center, 7313 Sharpsburg Pike, Keedysville

Tree Giveaway Pickup: 8am-1pm

- 30 total trees/shrubs

- 5 of each of: White Oak, Loblolly-Pitch Pine Hybrid, Chickasaw Plum, Serviceberry, Red Osier Dogwood, Northern Bayberry

Buffers for Birds: 9am-12:30pm

- Managing Forest Bird Habitat (TBD, National Conservation Training Center)

- Shrubland Bird Habitat: Using Woody Natives for Wildlife (David Smith, Audubon Society of Central Maryland)

- Grassland Birds and Certifying Your Property (KC Walters, Potomac Valley Audubon Society)

- Managing Bird Habitat in Your Yard: Using Wildflowers and Grasses (Annette Cormany, UMD Extension)

Sign up today or contact Bob Schwartz (robertr.schwartz@maryland.gov) for more information.

The climate has already started changing and it will only continue. Buffer forests are on the frontline of that change but could also be a cornerstone of resilience. We can foster that resilience on our landscapes and in our own yards. By planting native plants and restoring buffer forests you can provide resources to pollinators, fruits for humans and wildlife, clean the air and water, and help human and wildlife populations thrive; together and connected, whatever comes next.

Climate Adaptation Workshop:

Saturday April 6th, 9am-12pm, with speakers on a number of topics from climate adaptive gardening to managing invasive species to trout habitat. Please see the program brochure for details on speakers. 

It also Backyard Buffer Seedling Pick up Day: 

Saturday April 6th, 8am-12:30pm, or by appointment the week before at the Washington County Ag Education Center (7313 Sharpsburg Pike Keedysville, MD). Please see the attached brochure for species details.