Cooperative Extension Service Communications and Technology Department 3354 1000 E. University Ave. Laramie, WY 82071 (307) 766-6342 • fax (307) 766-3998 • www.uwyo.edu

 

For Immediate Release

 

 

Contact: Steven L. Miller, Senior Editor

Phone: (307) 766-6342

E-mail: slmiller@uwyo.edu

Archived News Site www.uwyo.edu/agadmin/news/news.htm

 

 

Sturdy shrubs, trees for Niobrara, Converse counties topic at UW workshops

            Residents of Niobrara and Converse counties can learn which trees and shrubs are superior to others for conditions in their area during evening workshops in Lusk and Douglas.

             The Niobrara County presentation is Tuesday, March 28, at the Niobrara County Fairgrounds in Lusk. The Converse County program is Thursday, March 30, at the Converse County University of Wyoming Cooperative Extension Service (UWCES) office in Douglas. Both presentations are 7-8:30 p.m.

            The workshops are sponsored by UWCES, said Tom Heald, CES educator for Natrona, Converse and Niobrara counties, who will present the programs.

             “Growing trees and shrubs in Niobrara and Converse counties can be a challenge because of the harsh environment,” said Heald, “but there are trees and shrubs that can actually thrive under these conditions.”

            Participants will learn about various trees, shrubs and strategies that create successful plantings, noted Heald.

            “This class will show residents tree and shrub options to consider whether their needs are to create shade, accent a patio, develop wildlife habitat or mitigate the draining effects of wind by developing windbreaks for the urban and rural homestead,” he said.

            The bluevelvet honeysuckle is a particular standout.  “This shrub is not picky about soil type and once established will need very little watering,” said Heald. “It’s a large shrub with blue-green leaves and pink flowers that bloom in profusion in early summer.  It’s perfect for a windbreak or even as specimen in someone’s yard and deer and insects aren’t interested in it.”

             A hardy tree is the Highland cottonwood. “This is a hybrid cottonwood that has been proven to have natural pest resistance and won’t have “cotton” filling the air in summer, unlike our native plains cottonwood,” he said.

            There is no charge or pre-registration for the workshops. For more information, contact Heald at (307) 235-9400.

            On the Web: http://www.uwyo.edu/UWCES/Natrona_main.asp

            http://www.uwyo.edu/UWCES/Niobrara_main.asp

 

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