{"id":13033,"date":"2017-02-10T16:13:08","date_gmt":"2017-02-10T21:13:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/?p=13033"},"modified":"2017-04-14T13:50:24","modified_gmt":"2017-04-14T17:50:24","slug":"backyard-buffers-offer-trees-to-improve-marylands-waters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.maryland.gov\/dnr\/2017\/02\/10\/backyard-buffers-offer-trees-to-improve-marylands-waters\/","title":{"rendered":"Backyard Buffers Offer Trees to Improve Maryland’s Waters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Homeowners in Select Counties\u00a0Can Get Free Seedlings\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

<\/a>The Maryland Department of Natural Resources<\/a> is offering its\u00a0Backyard Buffer program in select counties around the state. Any resident with a drainage ditch, stream, creek or river flowing through their\u00a0property or adjacent to a waterway could qualify for a free \u201cBuffer in a Bag.”<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> through late March 2017, with varying deadlines depending on county. The following counties are participating in the program – residents should call the number\u00a0listed for more information:<\/p>\n