Falls’ Tree Seedling And Prairie Seed Sale Ends March 1

In what is becoming a popular new way to help usher out the winter season and say hello to spring, the Village of Menomonee Falls is in the midst of its second annual tree seedling and prairie seed sale.  There’s still time to make your purchases but the March 1 deadline is coming up fast.

There are several Evergreen, Deciduous and Shrub species available, all in bundles of 10 of the same species, for as low as $9.99 per bundle. In addition, this year there’s a Wildlife, Homeowner and Suburban package of selected trees and shrubs for those who like a little variety.

Planting trees, prairie grass and wild flowers is one way to help increase rainfall infiltration into the soil while reducing runoff into the storm sewers.  After a rainfall, storm water runoff picks up pollutants, fertilizers and even fecal coliform from pet and animal wastes.

“The whole reason that we’re doing this project is because of our storm water program,” said Nancy Greifenhagen, environmental coordinator for the village. “The Wisconsin DNR is asking all of the municipalities to work on spreading the word about storm water pollution and activities that can help improve the water quality of our rivers. One way to do that is to plant native plants and trees that can infiltrate more water and use it, rather than having it run off into the storm sewers.”  

Other ways to reduce runoff include installing rain barrels on building downspouts as well as installing rain gardens to soak up runoff on properties, Greifenhagen explained.

For the past 10 years, Menomonee Falls has been honored with Tree City USA standing from the Arbor Day Foundation which recognizes communities that benefit daily from cleaner air, shadier streets and aesthetic beauty that healthy, well-managed urban forests can provide. This year, Greifenhagen applied for the Tree Growth Award which is a step above Tree City status and recognizes exceptional efforts in tree preservation and environmental programs regarding trees.

People who place their orders for tree seedlings and prairie seeds this year will be able to pick up their orders on April 28-29 at the Menomonee Falls Fire Station #4 on Main Street and Highway 145.

“Customers won’t even have to get out of their cars,” added Greifenhagen. “They can pick up their orders in our drive through lane at the fire station.”

One added feature this year is that extra seedlings and seeds will be available at the fire station for customers who weren’t able to place their orders on time.  For more information about the sale, call (262) 532-4417 or send an email to Greifenhagen at stormwater@menomonee-falls.org.