Backyard Buffers Offer Trees to Improve Maryland’s Waters

Homeowners in Select Counties Can Get Free Seedlings 

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is offering its Backyard Buffer program in select counties around the state. Any resident with a drainage ditch, stream, creek or river flowing through their property or adjacent to a waterway could qualify for a free “Buffer in a Bag.”

Each bag contains approximately 25 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings, which are suited for streamside conditions. Streamside buffers help preserve and improve water quality by absorbing excess nutrients, reducing sediment, lowering peak water temperatures and stabilizing stream banks.

The species mix will be composed of wet tolerant species, such as swamp white oak, river birch, redbud, persimmon and hazelnut. However, species may very by county due to specific environmental requirements/differences.

Quantities are limited, and reservations for tree packets will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. Requests will be taken by the Maryland Forest Service through late March 2017, with varying deadlines depending on county. The following counties are participating in the program – residents should call the number listed for more information:

• Allegany County, 301-707-5590
• Anne Arundel County, 410-360-8421
• Carroll County, 410-848-9290
• Cecil County, 410-287-5777
• Dorchester County, 410-228-1861
• Frederick County, 301-416-7261
• Garrett County, 301-334-3296
• Harford County, 410-557-4587
• Howard County, 410-442-2080
• Kent County, 410-260-8589
• Montgomery County, 301-854-6060
• Queen Anne’s County, 410-260-8589
• Talbot County, 410-479-1623
• Washington County, 301-791-4733
• Wicomico County, 410-543-1950

The trees will be available for pickup in early April. Those who have requested “buffers in a bag” will be contacted with additional information as the pick-up date approaches.