There are some changes in the plant selection also. Only four deciduous trees are being offered because of supply limitations. Two shrubs with edible berries have been added: blackberry and American spikenard. The latter grows in wet to moderate moisture conditions and features root beer flavored berries edible right off the stem, said Arens.

Plants are chosen that are adapted to the growing conditions found in Itasca County. Wildflowers and shrubs, for instance, come from nursery sources in Aitkin. Trees are from the Itasca Greenhouse. Seeds for the wetland mix are collected from the northern third of Minnesota.

Trees come as extracted containerized seedlines and cost $10 for each bundle of 10 trees. Shrubs are available for $20 for 5 shrubs, each in a 4 inch pot. Wildflowers, grasses and sedges cost $6 per four pack of containerized plugs. Seed mixtures are priced at $20 per half pound bag. Tree shelters, tree care handbooks and woodland management guides are also available to order.

The ordering deadline is April 27 for pickup May 3 and 4 at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids. However, there may be limited availability, so the SWCD suggests that plants should be ordered as early as possible.

Ordering information is available online at itascaswcd.org or from Andy Arens, Itasca SWCD, 1889 E. Hwy 2, Grand Rapids, Mn 55744. Arens may also be reached by phone at (218) 326-0017 or by email from the web site.