FALL NATIVE SEEDLING SALE
GTCD’s Fall Native Seedling Sale is a first-come, first-served sale (no pre-orders) on Saturday, October 25th from 10:00am - 2:00pm outdoors at the Boardman River Nature Center featuring native Michigan conifers - balsam fir, red cedar, red pine, white pine, and white spruce. We will also offer native perennial plants, including garden kits.
Planting in the fall allows these native species to become well-established over the winter and start off the next growing season strong.
Information stations staffed by GTCD naturalists and local partners will help you select species for your property and teach you how to support forest health not only in your own backyard but throughout our region. Additionally, enjoy family-friendly activities like pumpkin painting and hiking at the Natural Education Reserve!
Why plant in the fall?
Michigan autumns historically receive more precipitation than our springs. Water is a key factor in establishing a healthy tree seedling after being transplanted.
In the Grand Traverse Region, our sandy soils are conducive to fall plantings because the risk of frost heaving (expansion and contraction of soil due to water freezing and thawing) is reduced.
Early-blooming species established in the fall provide dynamic color and beauty to your landscape - as well as supporting pollinators all year long!
Why conifers and perennials?
Unlike deciduous trees, coniferous trees do not become fully dormant in the winter. They keep their needles, which allows them to maintain some photosynthesizing activity through the cold season.
Like coniferous trees, perennial plants benefit from the opportunity to develop their roots after transplant and before ground freezing. Early-blooming species established in the fall provide dynamic color and beauty to your landscape - as well as supporting pollinators all year long!
2025 Species Info & Pricing Coming Soon
(Please see 2024 info below for reference)
Download the PDF here.
Sale Details & Policies:
Sale will be held OUTDOORS at the Boardman River Nature Center – dress for the weather.
Seedlings and supplies are limited and will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis.
Grand Traverse Conservation District (GTCD) cannot guarantee seedling or plant survival. Our liability ends when stock is purchased.
Most orders can be transported in a standard sized vehicle. If purchasing tree tubes, please keep in mind that they are 5' (five feet) long.
There will be a $25.00 fee on all returned checks.