QUINCY, Ill. — Fall offers favorable conditions for establishing trees and shrubs, and local residents will have an opportunity to add native species to their landscapes through the West-Central Illinois Master Naturalist program’s second Illinois Native Tree and Shrub Sale.
The online preorder sale will run Sept. 1–24, with pickup of pre-ordered plants scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 3, at John Wood Community College in Quincy.
The sale features 17 species of trees and shrubs native to Illinois, selected to thrive in west-central Illinois landscapes. Plants will be available in 3-gallon containers for $30 for trees and $25 for shrubs.
Fall planting allows roots to become established while soil temperatures remain relatively warm and air temperatures are cooler, helping newly planted trees and shrubs prepare for the next growing season.
“This sale is designed to make it easier for local residents to plant native species in their yards and landscapes,” said Amy Lefringhouse, natural resource educator for Illinois Extension. “Native trees and shrubs support pollinators, provide essential food and shelter for wildlife, and contribute to healthier ecosystems.”
The available species include a variety of flowering, fruiting and shade-providing trees and shrubs. Native plants can provide habitat and food for wildlife and reduces the need for supplemental water and chemical inputs once established.
Proceeds from the sale will support local conservation and environmental education programs through the West-Central Illinois Master Naturalist program.
How to Order:
Online preorders will be accepted from September 1–24. A full plant list and ordering details is available at go.illinois.edu/nativetreesale.
Pickup Information:
Orders will be available for pickup on Saturday, October 3 from 1-4pm at John Wood Community College, Quincy, IL.
For more information about the sale, species list, and preorder details, please visit go.illinois.edu/nativetreesale or contact Amy Lefringhouse at 217-223-8380.
Illinois Extension’s Master Naturalists learn about botany, environmental ethics, archaeology, climate, forestry, geology, prairies, mammals, birds, insects, sustainable agricultural systems, and more from University of Illinois experts. They then share their time and expertise through local environmental stewardship projects such as invasive species removal, restoration projects, wildlife monitoring, and more. The west-central Illinois Master Naturalist program is offered through Illinois Extension offices in Adams, Brown, Hancock, Pike, and Schuyler counties. Learn more about how to become an Illinois Master Naturalist and bring positive change to your community’s natural areas at extension.illinois.edu/MN.
University of Illinois Extension develops educational programs, extends knowledge, and builds partnerships to support people, communities, and their environments as part of the state's land-grant institution. Extension serves as the leading public outreach effort for University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences in all 102 Illinois counties through a network of 27 multi-county units and over 500 staff statewide. Extension’s mission is responsive to eight strategic priorities — community, economy, environment, food and agriculture, health, partnerships, technology and discovery, and workforce excellence — that are served through five program areas — 4-H youth development, agriculture and agribusiness, community and economic development, health and community wellness, and natural resources, environment, and energy.