Free Tree Seedlings Available For Qualifying Lower-Shore Homeowners

Salisbury, Md. (April 4, 2012) – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is offering free tree seedlings to homeowners on the lower shore whose property borders a creek or a stream through the Backyard Buffer Program.

“The program is designed to assist homeowners in creating streamside buffers of native trees and shrubs on their land,” said DNR’s Forest Service Project Manager, John Jordan. “This helps control erosion, provide wildlife habitat and filter the water that flows into our waterways.”

The types of tree seedlings available are American Plum, White and Pine Oak, Eastern Red Cedar, Pecan, Persimmon, and Shortleaf and Loblolly Pines.

Quantities are limited, so interested homeowners must preregister with their Lower Shore Forestry Office and ask for the Backyard Buffer seedlings: Wicomico County 410-543-1950; Somerset County 410-651-2004 and Worcester County 410-632-1972. Seeds will be available for pick-up on Saturday, April 14, 2012 and should be planted immediately. The pickup locations are: Worcester; 100 River Road; Somerset, 30730 Park Drive; Wicomico 28647 Old Quantico Road.

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The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov