ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – Another successful Tree Fundraiser is coming to a close for the Delta Conservation District is wrapping up another successful Tree Fundraiser.
In 2024, the District sold approximately 50,000 trees and shrubs. Manager Heather LeDuc says this year has been even better.
“We’ve had more interest this time,” she said. “We have even more trees and shrubs going out the door and into the ground.”
Preorders will be available at a drive-through pickup this weekend at the goat barn at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Extra stock will be available for a discounted price at the back of the barn.
“We have beautiful apple trees, six-foot flowering crab trees,” said LeDuc. “You’re going to get gorgeous fruit trees, conifers, deciduous trees, pears, plums, cherries—all for probably the best prices you’re going to find.”
Conservation District staff encourage buyers to start preparing their planting sites now to get the best results.
“These trees need to go into the ground as fast as possible,” LeDuc explained. “If you come and pick them up and you can’t get them into the ground, at least keep the roots wet. We do have tree bark protectors and cages you can pick up, or you could just use chicken wire. You want to really keep them protected while they’re just establishing their roots.”
The Tree Fundraiser is the Conservation District’s primary source of income. LeDuc says it’s also great for the environment and for the people who plant the trees.
“It helps us to keep our lights on and keep our operations going so that we can do more in the community,” she said. “It’s also so important just to get more trees planted and to give more joy to people. Maybe you’re getting a fruit tree. It’s going to be there for generations to come, and you can share it with your family.”
Tree distribution runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, April 25, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Visit deltacd.org for full Tree Fundraiser details.