Acorns for Wildlife Program – Landowners, Order Seedlings Now
EDGEFIELD, S.C. —-(AmmoLand.com)-The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) is pleased to announce its annual Acorns for Wildlife program, a non-profit initiative aimed at providing quality, 1-year old, bare-root, oak seedlings for establishing wildlife plantings on private and public lands.
These oak seedlings will improve wildlife habitat and provide acorns for wild turkeys, deer, and many other wildlife species. The seedlings, along with oak specific fertilizer packets, will be sold below cost due to contributions from the MDWFP, National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF), Mississippi Chapter of the NWTF, and the Greater Jackson Chapter of the NWTF.
Each year, acorns are collected by MDWFP personnel from native oak trees and sent to the Georgia Forestry Commission (GFC). The GFC follows a nursery protocol to grow seedlings with a fibrous root system, large stem diameter, and abundant energy reserves to ensure the best possible survival and growth. Oak species available are white, cherrybark, Shumard, swamp chestnut (cow), water, and Nuttall.
Research shows that when proper planting techniques are used, these seedlings are capable of producing acorns at less than 10 years of age. Correct techniques include using oak-specific fertilizer, planting in full sunlight, and controlling herbaceous vegetation directly around the seedlings during the first growing season. Because these seedlings have an extensive root system, they require a planting hole large enough to accommodate the roots. Therefore, it is best to plant with an auger greater than 8 inches in diameter. Specific planting instructions will be provided with each seedling order.
Seedlings will be sold in bags of 50 for $35 per bag. Oak-specific fertilizer packets will be included with the seedlings at no additional cost. Landowners, don’t miss your chance to take advantage of this special offer to improve your property.
Individuals interested in purchasing these high-quality seedlings should contact the MDWFP at (601) 432-2199, or go online to www.mdwfp.com and click on “Acorns for Wildlife” to download the seedling order form. The deadline for ordering seedlings is January 31, 2010.
About the NWTF:
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit conservation organization that is dedicated to the conservation of the wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting heritage.