Ionia Conservation District

05/19/2026

Oak Wilt is a devastating disease in Michigan's Forests. It spreads through beetles that can carry the disease, as well and to other nearby trees through their roots. Treatments such as root pruning can help stop the spread, but prevention is the best medicine. Contact us to learn more!

05/15/2026

Are your oaks looking wilted and brown? They may have a fungal disease called Oak Wilt. If your Oak trees have suddenly changed color or are dropping their leaves early, it could be a symptom for this disease. Reach out to us or our area's forester Ben Savoie for more information on prevention and treatment of Oak Wilt.

05/08/2026

Our partner Mid-Michigan Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area was recently highlighted in a story through WKAR! Read or listen more at https://www.wkar.org/wkar-news/2026-05-01/budget-cuts-are-hindering-the-fight-against-invasive-species-across-the-state to learn more about lesser celandine and how we are all still finding ways to fight this invasive species.

Michigan is facing environmental destruction by invasive species, but the state legislature cut funding for the program that fights invasives.

04/29/2026

Our signs don't lie! We still have available stock for sale at the Ionia Conservation District Office (431 Swartz Ct STE 300, Ionia, MI 48846). Stop by today to get a few for yourself!

Plants we still have:
Northern Spy apple
Fuji apple
White spruce seedlings and transplants
Blue spruce transplants
Red pine transplants and potted
Fraser fir transplants and potted
Douglas fir seedlings
Concolor fir transplants
Tupelo
Silky dogwood
Sargent crabapple

04/16/2026

URGENT!!!!

Due to flooding at the fairgrounds our 2026 tree sale has been MOVED!!!!!

The pick up dates remain the same April 24 & 25

NEW LOCATION:

We will be east of USDA/ICD Office
431 Swartz Ct
Ionia, MI 48846

Please do NOT go into the office, park along side of the road where the parking will be marked!!!!!!

04/14/2026

The paper birch, or Betula papyrifera as it is scientifically known, is a fast growing tree and eye catching on any landscape. When grown in moist, acidic loam and full sun to partial shade, this tree may reach 70 feet tall. The sap from a mature tree can be used to make syrup or vinegar.

We still have some left! Join us at the Ionia Fairgrounds on April 24th (10am-6pm) and 25th (8am-12pm).

04/13/2026

The Fraser Fir (Abies fraseri according to its scientific name) is originally an Appalachian Mountains native species. It began being used in landscaping as early as 1896. The tree can grow well in sandy-rocky soils, but prefers loam soils. The root system does well at slowing down erosion, helping your watershed. This fir's needles are fragrant, making it a popular Christmas tree.

Get your own today by buying or ordering them in the office or online at ionicd.org/shop

04/12/2026

Mmmm, pie. What a good dessert. Apple pie is an old dessert best made with an old type of apple: the Northern Spy. Grown in the United States since the 1800s, these crisp apples have continued to be great for making pies and cider. They are also high in Vitamin C, which comes in handy through the cold months. The tree itself is cold hardy and drought tolerant, producing a good crop even in dry years.

Get your own Northern Spy apple trees today at ioniacd.org/shop

04/11/2026

Nor-way! We still have some of these spruces left in stock? The Norway Spruce, or Picea abies as it is scientifically known, is a great addition to your space if you want to support pheasant and grouse. This tree has also been loved by thousands of people around Christmas time as the New York Rockefeller Center's Christmas tree (don't worry, it won't bring more snow when you plant it... we hope). The biggest draw to this tree is its resistance to needle cast fungi.

Order some today at ioniacd.org/shop

04/10/2026

We know your pining to learn more about Michigan's state tree: the Eastern white pine. The Eastern white pine is scientifically known as Pinus strobus. It was named the Michigan's state tree in 1955 to highlight its importance in Michigan's booming timber industry during the 19th century. White pine lumber is typically used for furniture and cabinetry.

The white pine is also wildly good for native Michigan ecosystems. Many songbirds enjoy the tree for nesting and feeding. Imperial moth larvae (in the family of luna moths) enjoy this tree. The pine can grow for 200 years or more and is known as the Midwest's largest conifer. The tallest known has reached heights of 174 feet and the widest has grown 16 feet in circumference!

Help us celebrate this tree by planting your own: ioniacd.org/shop