Welcome

Although many Arbor Day celebrations are being postponed or cancelled due to preventive measures around COVID-19, our seedlings are still available to be ordered and shipped.

Pre-bagged seedlings. If you ordered – or plan to order – pre-bagged seedlings, our supplier nursery has them all prepared, in cold storage and ready for shipment. Customers can maintain their pre-bagged seedlings in cold storage, preferably in the refrigerator, for 4 to 5 weeks.  Pre-bagged seedlings can be delivered well into May, or June 1^st at the latest. Be sure to let us know two weeks in advance if you need to change your current delivery date.

Bare-root seedlings. These must be delivered to you in April, by May 1st at the latest.  However, bare-root seedlings will keep a long time, IF the roots are kept moist and cool.

There are several ways to store bare-root seedlings:

• put them in the refrigerator
• plant them in the ground (yes, now is okay!)
• keep them outside in a bucket, a cardboard box, a plastic plant flat, or other container. If using a container, keep the tops exposed and cover the roots with a medium such as wood chips, mulch, peat moss, or potting soil. Be sure to keep the medium moist so the roots do not dry out.

Alternative for Seedling Distribution. We encourage customers to plan an alternative means of distribution, such as setting a designated time and drive-up area for seedling pickups or giveaways. Although gatherings for Arbor Day and Earth Day may be cancelled, being outside is not! Many are finding comfort in out-of-door activities such as gardening, walking, and hiking, and we know that planting trees and other plants is good for the soul. With many schools on hiatus, home learning could include a planting project.

Cancellation policy. If you do need to cancel your seedling order altogether, we require notice at least two weeks prior to your delivery. If you do not receive confirmation from us that your order is cancelled, you will receive the seedlings and are responsible for payment. Thank you for working with us to be flexible as we all take a global deep breath and do our best to protect the collective whole.

The spring meeting of the Western Mass. Tree Wardens scheduled for March 24 at the Bluebonnet Diner has been cancelled. We apologize for the inconvenience, but we look forward to seeing you at the next one on June 9th!

MTWFA’s annual seedling sale takes place from January to mid-April, with the proceeds funding the association’s scholarship program. Order your seedlings now, and you can have them delivered in time for an Arbor Day celebration or any time up until May 1st. Some species sell out quickly, so order now for best selection!

The 2020 Scholarship Application is now available, but hurry – the application deadline is February 15th. Visit this page for more details.

The 2020 annual conference is just around the corner, extra-extra early this year, on January 7-8. You can register online here (except students) or use the paper registration form available for download below. Online registration – and early-bird rates – will close on January 4. If you miss the January 4 deadline, you can still register at the conference center but at higher, on-site rates. It makes sense to save $25 now with an early registration!

Not sure if you want to register, or need more information about CEUs, the agenda, speakers and exhibitors? Peruse the program in the 2020 registration brochure above and learn all about it. Hope to see you in Sturbridge!