Discounts for trees, plants available at Soil and Water open house

The Crow Wing Soil and Water District is offering a 10 percent discount on all trees and plants ordered on Feb. 5 at the open house. The Tree Sale open house will be 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Crow Wing SWCD new office location at the Crow Wing County Land Services Building, 322 Laurel St., Suite 13. During the open house, residents will learn from area plant experts, and look at tree and plant examples, and enjoy refreshments.

"It is one of the best investments we can make," Melissa Barrick, water educator, Crow Wing SWCD, said.

Trees and plants improve water quality by reducing the flow of polluted runoff into lakes and streams. They stabilize lake and river banks, attract wildlife, improve air quality and keep soil in place.

Residents can select from a variety of flowering plants, grasses, shrubs, trees and conifers. All trees are seedlings ranging from 6-24 inches depending on individual species. Plants are plug size which are 2-inch by 2-inch squares.

Those interested may visit www.co.crow-wing.mn.us/swcd/ to download the tree order form. The form can be returned to Crow Wing SWCD, 322 Laurel St., Suite 13, in Brainerd with a check payable to Crow Wing SWCD.

Deadline for ordering is March 1. All plants and trees may be picked up in the second week of May in the Natural Resource Building on the Crow Wing County Fairgrounds.