The well-known sugar maple, Acer saccharum, is a large hardwood tree native to eastern Canada and the eastern United States. Human populations have used this tree’s sap to produce maple syrup for centuries, along with using its wood for lumber and firewood. Sugar maples are also important for wildlife, particularly white-tailed deer, moose, snowshoe hare, porcupine, and squirrels who browse the leaves and bark along with the seeds, buds, and twigs. The lush deciduous canopy, trunk, and branches provide homes for cavity nesters, songbirds, and woodpeckers.

Preferring relatively moist, well-drained soils, sugar maples are found across Delaware County, turning the hillsides into brilliant autumn shows of reds, yellows and oranges. Critical to the hardwood forest ecosystem, sugar maples provide an abundance of ecological benefits. These shallow, yet fibrous and wide rooted trees hold soil and nutrients in place which reduces runoff into nearby waterways. Fallen leaves also provide an important nutrient source for forests, while leaved branches shade the soil providing a cooling effect and carbon sink.

When deciding which maple to plant in your landscape, consider choosing a native maple such as the sugar maple. Nonnative and invasive maples can outcompete native maples threatening the survival of native maples and the wildlife that depends on them.

Have questions about native plants? Contact DCSWCD’s Catherine Skalda: 607-865-5223.

Black elderberry, Sambucus nigra, has been popular over the past several years following various health claims and its transformation into supplements, syrups, and more. Like most edible berries, elderberries are antioxidant and vitamin powerhouses that are great additions to human diets, and being a native plant, elderberry is an important food and habitat source for wildlife as well. You can add Black elderberry to your landscape this spring through our annual tree and shrub sale happening now: https://bit.ly/3x5Womd.

Occurring throughout the US and Canada, elderberry (aka Common elderberry, Black elderberry, American elder) grows best in full to part sun in moist upland sites on the water’s edge bordering streams and adjacent bottomlands since it requires consistently moist soil. The dark berries are preceded by lovely white clusters of blooms that attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. The berries are eaten by many birds and small mammals, and the leaves and twigs are susceptible to deer browse. 

A moderately sized bush, elderberry grows 3-12 feet making it a good option for privacy borders along a pond, stream, or drainage trough as well as creating riparian buffers and adding diversity to the landscape. 

Have questions about native plants? Contact DCSWCD’s Catherine Skalda: 607-865-5223.

Did you know that our region is home to a native deciduous holly, Ilex verticillata? Winterberry thrives at the edge of water bodies and throughout riparian areas, which are abundant in Delaware County, and prefers partial sun to full shade – an ideal plant for those growing areas that other plants may find difficult. And, even in the depths of January, the shrub’s bright red berries hang on throughout the month providing a vital food source for small mammals and OVER 48 SPECIES OF BIRDS! (Warning: The berries are poisonous to humans.)

The native winterberry is an ideal landscaping plant that is both aesthetically pleasing and beneficial to wildlife. If you’re looking to add some color to your winter garden, native winterberry makes a great choice over similar invasive species, such as Japanese barberry or exotic honeysuckles.

Have questions about native plants? Contact DCSWCD’s Catherine Skalda: 607-865-5223.

The Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual tree and shrub sale program is now LIVE! Exciting news this year – purchases can now be made either ONLINE or via mail! Both online ordering and a printable form for mail orders are available at https://bit.ly/3x5Womd. Orders are due Monday, March 6^th – order early for best availability! Pickup is Saturday, April 15^th at the DCSWCD office in Walton.

Whether you have a quarter of an acre or hundreds, our tree and shrub sale offers something for all spaces. To help you prepare, we recommend creating a quick sketch of your property with estimated measurements which can help determine what size and how many plants will fit in your landscape. Also understanding the path of the sun and how it falls on your property will increase your success in choosing plants that thrive in full or part sun or shade. We have plenty of native, and edible varieties along with your old favorites from which to choose, including conifers, hardwoods, shrubs, and fruit crops as well as supplies to help your plants survive.