Submitted Photographs: Acadiana Native Plant Project and Lastrapes Garden Center
The Acadiana Native Plant Project received 15,000 surplus bare root seedlings thanks to Ethan Eichler and Morganne Guidry of RES, an ecological restoration company.
To maximize viability, these bare root seedlings need to be planted ASAP, no later than this weekend. Until then, they must be kept moist and cool.
These free trees can be picked up at 3 locations. You are free to take as many as you can plant by Sunday. Each bag is labeled with species and number on the bag. Most bags contain 200 seedlings.
Species are:
Cow oak, Quercus michauxii
Sweetgum, Liquidambar styraciflua
Red maple, Acer rubrum
A few American elm, Ulmus Americana
A few water hickory, Carya aquatica
Pickup Locations:
NUNU Arts and Culture Collective on Hwy 93 coming into Arnaudville. Anytime. Across the street from NUNU gallery at the 50mph sign.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/jVQQyhtfiVfq7vgE8
Lastrapes Garden Center on I-49 Frontage Road south of Opelousas. 8-5 daily, 11-4 Sunday. Pickup is self-serve next to the covered bag mulch area in the parking lot. https://maps.app.goo.gl/7yNWiHeB4R66Bo4X8
The ANPP greenhouse, open on Saturday 9-noon located at 1046 Main Hwy. in Arnaudville
TIP: To get strong trees that are less likely to die and/or fall, it is recommended that seedlings be planted very young and in small groves, not as lone trees in the middle of a lawn. This allows their roots to knit together naturally over time.
If you’re not ready to put them in the ground you can pot them up in bed builder mix available at Lastrapes Garden Center in any quantity.
ANPP volunteers rallied to make this possible. You can thank them by greauxing native, spreading the word, or becoming a member.
