The Cass County Conservation District’s Annual Tree Seedling & Fruiting Plant Catalog is now available.

The annual tree sale (including preorder pick-ups and sales of additional plants on a first come, first serve basis) is scheduled for April 20 to 22. Preorders must be submitted by April 7.

“This year we have focused on native, wetland and species that benefit pollinators, including a special addition of the Butterfly milkweed to specifically benefit the Monarch butterfly,” said Korie Blyveis, conservation district manager. “Due to the many lakes and streams in Cass County and because the desire to restore native shorelines has been expressed to us, we selected and have identified species that will do well in wetland forests and shoreline edges and will help expand the diversity of species that will also benefit wildlife.”

Last year, the rootstock of the fruit trees the district offered was above standard, and there was good feedback on the quality and transplant success of the trees, the district said. Because of this and the district’s desire to benefit pollinator species that have recently seen great losses, the district is offering apple, cherry, plum, peach and apricot trees.

In addition, the organization is selling native Paw Paw trees from a different supplier.

The district will continue to supply a variety of conifers that are well suited for use in windbreaks.

Windbreaks are a specific planting of trees that will slow prevailing winds. This method of planting will help conserve energy used in buildings, reduce damage to crops and provide shade.

People may now pick up their copy of the catalog at the Cass County Conservation District office, 1127 E. State St., Cassopolis. People may call (269) 445-8641 ext. 5 to request it be mailed or emailed to them.

People may visit cassccdistrict.org to learn more about the district and its expanding programs.