From the imposing trees located inside Russ Forest to the vibrant plants found along the shores of the region’s numerous lakes and ponds, Cass County is local treasure-trove of the state’s distinct and luscious foliage.

The Cass County Conservation District is once again offering residents an opportunity to leave their own contribution to the community’s vegetation, with the staff kicking off its annual Tree Seedling and Native Plant Sale this month. From now until April 3, residents will be able to order trees, berry plants, wild grass and other plant species, which will be available for pickup on April 17 and 18.

The sale acts as the conservation district’s main fundraising activity of the year. Districts in other counties in Michigan hold similar sales in early spring as well, such as in Berrien and Van Buren, typically bringing in between $9,000 and $10,000 every year, said administrator Justin Miller.

“We work hand and hand with each other,” Miller said. “We pass trees back and forth to each other, to make sure people get the plants they ordered.”

Customers can purchase seedlings of conifers (evergreens), deciduous (broad leaf), small trees or shrubs, in bundles ranging from 5 to 100 plants. The young plants, which typically are 12 to 18 inches in length, are shipped to the county from Holland, Michigan, Miller said.

“We’re not bringing in species from other states,” Miller said. “We’re sticking with plants that are native to Michigan.”

Organizers will be offering some new deals to customers for this year’s sale as well, including selling variety packs of different tree species, Miller said. They are also selling a limited number of Honey Crisp Apple and Stella Sweet Cherry trees, along with red raspberry and strawberry plants.

“It’s just a way to give people more choices,” Miller said. “Not everyone wants to plant a pine tree in their yard, but maybe they’ll want to plant a strawberry plant instead.”

Catalogs and order forms for the sale are available inside the Conservation District’s office, located at 1127 E. State St. in Cassopolis. People can also email Miller at Justin.Miller@mi.nacdnet.net to request an electronic copy.

Pickup for the plants will take place at the Cass County COA Lowe Center in Cassopolis, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 17 and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 18. Free pamphlets on how to plant and care for trees will be on hand as well.

Pick ups for the Wildflower and Native Plants sale will take place on from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. May 15 inside the conservation district office.