Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-2540 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

Contact: Robert Waggener, Editor

Phone: (307) 766-3571

E-mail: robertw@uwyo.edu

 

Date: May 18, 2006

 

Public invited to 4-H tree planting at Sheridan R&E Center

            Sheridan County 4-Hers will plant between 300 and 400 trees and shrubs Sunday, May 21, at the Sheridan Research and Extension Center. The public is welcome to participate in the project.

            The event begins at 2 p.m. with an educational program on the benefits of trees and how to correctly plant and maintain them.

            Participants will then plant seedling Colorado blue spruce, burr oak, Rocky Mountain juniper, native plum, three-leaf sumac, buffaloberry and chokecherry. The Sheridan County Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is supplying the trees and shrubs.

            “This is a county-wide project sponsored by the local 4-H clubs. It will be a fun day, and all participants will get to take home one or two seedlings to plant in their own yards,” said Justin Moss, director of the Sheridan R&E Center six miles east of Sheridan on the Wyarno Highway.

            The center, one of three in the state, is operated by the University of Wyoming’s College of Agriculture.

            “One nice, big shrub (Diablo ninebark) will be given away in a drawing,” Moss said.

            Other organizers include Scott Hininger, extension educator, and Tricia Tatman, 4-H and youth educator, in the Sheridan County CES office. 4-H is the youth arm of UW CES.

            “This is a great community service project and learning experience for the 4-H members, and we invite members of the public to join them,” Hininger said. “This project will also enhance the grounds of the research center.”

            Moss added, “The educational program will teach the participants about the benefits of trees and shrubs, and how to select, establish and maintain species that do well in Wyoming.”

            Among the benefits, he said, are wildlife habitat, snow and dust control, wind breaks, beautification and carbon dioxide sequestration. Many scientists and others believe carbon dioxide emissions are helping lead to global warming and other changes in the weather, and trees absorb carbon dioxide.

            “We hope the 4-Hers and others learn about some of these benefits,” Tatman said.

            Participants are asked to bring water, snacks and a shovel.

            For more information on the Sheridan R&E Center, see http://uwadmnweb.uwyo.edu/uwexpstn/Centers/Sheridan.asp.

            Information about trees and shrubs suitable for Wyoming, along with planting and care tips, is available at http://ces.uwyo.edu/PUBS/Horticulture/Horticulture_Publications_Main.htm.

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