OPEN HOUSE - The Waseca Soil & Water Conservation District held an open house on Friday, Feb. 20 to encourage people to take advantage of the programs available. Resource Technician Cammi Phelps was answering questions for guest Elizabeth Anselmo.
Waseca Soil and Water open house offers free tree giveaway
Thu, 02/26/2026 - 3:00am
The Waseca Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office held its 78th annual open house on Friday, Feb. 20. It was open to anyone who had questions about the agency’s services. There were also a drawing for a free tree, gift bag items for children, and refreshments.
The SWCD distributed information and an order form for purchasing “bare root” trees. According to Joe Edel, the SWCD technician who coordinates the program, property owners pay much less per tree when they take part in the bulk purchase rather than contacting nurseries themselves. The SWCD program warns that, due to that popularity, all interested persons should place their orders as quickly as possible. The department has arranged for contracted numbers of trees from various nurseries; if increased numbers are needed, orders need to be placed in a timely fashion. Even with the rush Edel says assuredly, “The earlier the better, but anyone can order at any time.”
According to Edel, nearly everyone purchases the bulk trees with the intent of beginning or maintaining a windbreak. Available plants offer considerable flexibility, with mature heights beginning as low as 5 feet and going as high as 75. Plants are selected with versatility in mind–some are suitable for most conditions; others prefer specifically moist or dry soil. Some trees flower and produce berries, others are evergreens.
Also offered are some elm and maple trees–the highest-priced plants available through the program, they are priced at $160 and $150 for bundles of five–but they are also up to 6 feet tall.
For those who do not need trees, an alternative is a mix of native wildflowers. For $55, property owners can acquire 48 green plants in 12 species.
Orders can be mailed using the distributed form, placed in person at the SWCD office at 300 North State Street, or registered at the SWCD website online: www.wasecaswcd.org. Payment is expected when the order is placed.
Of the tree acquisition program, which has been operating since at least 2007, Edel says, “Trees play an important role in soil and water conservation. From controlling erosion along stream banks or even catching blowing winter snow, trees are beneficial.
“We want to offer affordable trees to landowners so they can meet their needs on their farmsteads or homes; by doing so, we all benefit because our natural resources are protected.”