ESCANABA & MUNISING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Late winter and early spring snowstorms have had major impacts on the Upper Peninsula. For local conservation districts, lingering snowbanks and cool temperatures are delaying their tree sale plans.
The Delta Conservation District and Schoolcraft Conservation District had originally scheduled their Tree Sale pickups for April 24 and 25. Both districts have now postponed their pickups to May 1 and 2.
According to the Delta Conservation District, many nurseries are experiencing distribution delays due to weather conditions. The Schoolcraft Conservation District states that the ground is likely to remain frozen past the original pickup dates. The new pickup dates give the ground more time to thaw, allowing for easier planting.
“We always try to serve all our residents as best as we can and furthermore want our customers to have the best chance of success with their new plants,” the Schoolcraft Conservation told Tree Sale customers in an email. “Fruit trees in particular are expensive and require large planting holes; we would rather have the nurseries take care of them a little longer than put that burden on the buyer.”
The Delta Conservation District sent a similar email to customers, saying, “The Delta Conservation District appreciates the patience and understanding of tree sale participants as weather conditions and nursery access have affected normal distribution schedules. The annual tree sale supports conservation efforts throughout the region and helps residents plant trees that benefit wildlife habitat, soil conservation, and local ecosystems.”
The Delta Conservation District will hold its Tree Sale Pickup at the U.P. State Fairgrounds. Staff and volunteers will be distributing orders at Barn #10 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on May 1 and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 2. The Schoolcraft Conservation District’s Tree Sale Pickup will take place at the Schoolcraft County Fairgrounds from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on May 1 and from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on May 2.
Tree Sale customers who will not be available on the new pickup dates are encouraged to contact their local conservation district. Schoolcraft Conservation District customers can call 906-286-2890 or email schoolcraftcd@macd.org. Delta Conservation District customers can call 906-553-7700.
