Erie County Legislator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-Clarence) today announced that the Erie County Soil and Water District will be accepting orders for their annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Program. All orders, which are tax exempt, must be received by March 26. Orders will be available for pickup at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg on April 24.

      Ranzenhofer noted that the program offers more than 40 varieties of plants. They are sold as one to two year old bare root seedlings and will range from 6 to 24 inches tall. White Pine, Blue Spruce, and Douglas Fir are also available as transplants, which have thicker stems, more branches and larger root systems than bare-root seedlings. Seedling combination packs and wildflower seed mixes designed to attract wildlife are also for sale.

     "I encourage all residents of Erie County to take advantage of this great opportunity," said Legislator Ranzenhofer. "In addition to the wide variety of plants, residents can order, conservation supplies like fertilizer tablets, tree shelters, and bluebird houses, all tax free."

     2004 Program highlights include:

• 14 varieties of Broadleaf Deciduous trees from: Butternut, Red Maple, White Oak to Black Walnut
• 14 varieties of Evergreen/Conifer trees ranging from: Austrian Pine, Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce, Douglas Fir to Hemlock.
• 7 varieties of Conservation Shrubs ranging from: American Elderberry, Red Osier Dogwood, Rugosa Rose to Streamco Willow
• 4 Wildlife Attracting Seedling Packs including Native NY Wildlife, Bird and Butterfly, Wet Area, and the Homeowner Pack

     For more information or to obtain a 2004 Conservation Tree & Shrub Seedling Program order form please contact Legislator Ranzenhofer's office at 631-8695, or visit www.ecswcd.org.