Backyard Buffers Program
馃嚭馃嚫 MD, United States 路 Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland Forest Service
A free bag of 20 to 30 native bare-root tree and shrub seedlings for planting along a stream, ditch, pond or other waterway on your property
The Maryland Forest Service gives Maryland landowners free native tree and shrub seedlings to plant as a buffer along waterways. Each bag holds 20 to 30 bare-root seedlings, typically one to two feet tall, with species information, planting guidance and basic maintenance instructions. Seedlings are picked up at local distribution sites in time for spring planting and go first come, first served.
Who qualifies
Landowners with a stream, drainage ditch, creek, river, pond or other waterway on or next to their property. Aimed at residential and small-scale landowners who are not eligible for agricultural cost-share programs. Funding and seedling availability vary by year and county.
How to apply
Contact your local Maryland Forest Service office (county contacts are listed on the program contacts page) for availability, reservations, pickup locations and planting help. Reservations are generally taken in March. Program contact: Alanna Crowley, Chesapeake Bay Watershed Forester, alanna.crowley@maryland.gov.
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