The Cumberland County Soil Conservation District (SCD) has scheduled its annual tree, plant and shrub sale fundraiser for April 5 and 6, 2018.

Trees and plants are vital to every community, no matter how large or small. Trees have multiple uses: wind breaks, living screens, soil binders to help reduce erosion, as well as noise barriers. Also, existing and newly planted trees increase property value and add natural beauty and diversity to the landscape. Another benefit provided by trees is their ability to capture and store carbon dioxide. In addition, trees release life-giving oxygen into the atmosphere. Flowering shrubs and perennial species also provide food for important pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

The sale runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Cumberland County Community Complex livestock pavilion.

A variety of trees and shrubs will be available, priced based on type and size. Some of the items normally available include: boxwood, Cleveland pear, dogwood, forsythia, holly, hydrangea, junipers, Leyland cypress, nandina, rhododendron and weeping willow. There should also be a variety of fruit trees available. In addition to trees and shrubs, there will be hanging baskets and other perennial plants such as ground-covering phlox, iris, columbine and ferns.

Timely and proper planting after purchase, followed by reasonable care, should result in healthy, beautiful trees and shrubs that will provide enjoyment for many years. Only good-quality items will be available, and all sales are final.

The Cumberland County Soil Conservation District is a non-profit organization; the tree sale raises funds for its conservation education efforts and other operating expenses. The information and education program includes support for high-school Envirothon teams, Soil and Water Stewardship Week activities, educational material for schools and college scholarships.

If you have any questions, please call the SCD office at 484-5442, Ext. 3, or stop by the office in the USDA Service Center, 314 Old Jamestown Highway beside the U.S. Post Office.

All programs and services of the Cumberland County Soil Conservation District are offered on a nondiscriminatory basis without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status or handicap.