Extension Programs to Host Tree Planting Demonstration

 

May 5, 2021

Tomorrow, May 6, the Aaniiih Nakoda College (ANC) USDA Extension Program will be hosting a tree planting demonstration in collaboration with Hillary Maxwell, the Family Consumer Science MSU Extension Agent for the Fort Belknap Reservation.

The event, which is also a fruit tree and fruit shrub giveaway, will take place at the ANC Greenhouse on the west edge of the campus beginning at 2:00 p.m. It will last until the trees and shrubs are gone. Handouts with information pertaining to planting and caring for trees and shrubs will be distributed on-site.

According to Manny Morales, Director of the USDA Extension Program at ANC, two varieties of apple trees: McIntosh and Honeycrisp; and several varieties of fruit shrubs/plants will be available: buffalo berry, strawberries, gooseberries, Montana red currants, and raspberries.

Although the number of plants people will be allowed is dependent on the number of people who show up for the event, participants will be given two apple trees per family because two different apple trees are required to pollinate and produce apples.

Morales explained that the plants were purchased from Montana Fruit Tree Company in Missoula and are suited for the North Central Montana climate. "Mr. Luke Robinson selected trees and shrubs and placed them on their website specifically for Zone 3 planting, which we fall under."

Morales went on to state that these are bare root stock. Bare root trees and plants are so named because they are dug from the ground when they're dormant (leafless and not actively growing), usually in the fall, and their roots are shaken free of soil. Kept cool, with their roots packed in a moist material such as damp sawdust, bare root plants are easy to store and ship in good condition.

Another piece of information that gardeners will learn during the tree planting demonstration is that it is best to plant bare root trees as soon as possible. Roots that seem at all dry need to be soaked in a bucket of water for about eight hours prior to planting.

Anyone seeking additional information about the tree planting event should contact Morales by calling 353-3911.

The program organizers encourage people to "give back to Mother Earth by planting a tree." This is a message similar to that shared by the Arbor Day Foundation (ADF), who claims that it "inspires people to plant, nurture, and celebrate trees."

According to the ADF website, "While most holidays celebrate something that has already happened and is worth remembering, Arbor Day represents a hope for the future. The simple act of planting a tree represents a belief that the tree will grow to provide us with clean air and water, cooling shade, habitat for wildlife, healthier communities, and endless natural beauty - all for a better tomorrow."

National Arbor Day was celebrated on April 30.

 
 

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