Hands in the Dirt: The Annual Tree Sale

Michigan's State Tree: The White Pine

Photo and article by Donna Iverson

It’s the annual statewide tree sale in Michigan, including at the Newaygo Conservation District in Fremont.

Up for sale are many conifers including jack, red and white pines and red and white cedar, all of which are native to the state.

White pine is the state tree, chosen back in 1955. The white pine covered most of Michigan until the lumbering era in the 1800’s saw the cutting down of 99 percent of the stock. A major route for logging ran down the Muskegon River from Newaygo to the Muskegon lumber yards.  From there, the logs were shipped across Lake Michigan, mostly to Chicago

So here’s a chance to help restore the natural habitat. Wildlife and birds will benefit too. The white pine provides shelter for beavers, hares, porcupines and squirrels as well as nesting for woodpeckers, grackles, nuthatches and chickadees. 

For information on ordering, go to 
http://www.newaygocd.org/order-form-and-tree-information.html

There you will find a downloadable order form with information and prices on the trees for sale. Newago conservation offices are located at 940 Rex St in Fremont. The office may not be open due to the pandemic so you may want to call ahead to make an appointment if you wish to speak to a conservation officer in person.  The phone number is 231,924.2060 x5. If you prefer email, it’s [email protected]

Based on the information provided, it sounds like delivery is possible for approximately $20.

Almost all the conservation districts in the state are holding an annual spring tree sale, so if you don’t live in Newago, check out your local  county’s conservation district website. 

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