By 1812Blockhouse
There is something steady and reassuring about a tree sale in early spring. Flats of young saplings. Pickup trucks backed up to tailgates. Volunteers in boots talking soil and sun exposure before 9:00 AM.
On March 27 and March 28, the Clear Fork FFA Alumni Tree Seedling Sale returns to Richland County, offering a wide variety of affordable seedlings while raising funds for the Clear Fork FFA program. It is first come, first served, and once they are gone, they are gone. Cash or check only. No guarantees. Just healthy young trees and a good cause.
When and Where
Friday, March 27
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (varies by location or until sold out)
Locations:
Richland County Fairgrounds Nature Park – 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM or until sold out
Planktown Market in Shiloh – 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM or until sold out
Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville – 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM or until sold out
Saturday, March 28
Elzy Milling & Trade in Bellville – 8:00 AM until 12:00 PM or until sold out
All proceeds benefit the Clear Fork FFA program.
For information:
Adam – 419-886-2610, Ext. 2135 or staleya@staff.clearfork.k12.oh.us
Becky – 419-566-0019 or becksgh@aol.com
What’s Available
The variety this year is strong, especially if you are thinking long-term about your property.
American Chestnut – 12–18 inches – 5 per pack – $25
White Flowering Dogwood – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Chinese Chestnut – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Japanese Tree Lilac – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Paw Paw – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Ohio Buckeye – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Fraser Fir – 7–12 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Red Mulberry – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Common Lilac – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Butterfly Bush – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Black Elderberry – 12–18 inches – 7 per pack – $15
Norway Spruce – 10–18 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Arborvitae – 7–12 inches – 10 per pack – $15
White Pine – 8–14 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Red Oak – 12–18 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Persimmon – 6–12 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Swamp White Oak – 6–12 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Tulip Poplar – 12–18 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Balsam Fir – 5–10 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Black Walnut – 12–18 inches – 10 per pack – $15
White Oak – 12–18 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Sugar Maple – 12–18 inches – 10 per pack – $15
Redbud – pricing available at sale
A Few Smart Picks for Richland County
If you are planting in north central Ohio, think strategically.
For shade and long-term value, White Oak, Swamp White Oak, and Sugar Maple are solid investments. They are native, resilient, and good for wildlife.
For smaller yards, Japanese Tree Lilac or White Flowering Dogwood offer manageable size with spring interest.
If you want something edible and native, Paw Paw and Persimmon are worth a look. They are not instant gratification trees, but they reward patience.
And if you have room and ambition, American Chestnut carries both ecological and historical significance. Just understand that establishment takes attention and proper siting.
The Bigger Picture
This sale is not just about trees. It supports agricultural education and leadership development through Clear Fork FFA. The seedlings you plant this spring help fund students who are learning animal science, agronomy, mechanics, and public speaking. There is something fitting about that exchange. You plant something that will take years to mature. They are building something that will last even longer.
More details are available at the Richland Soil and Water Conservation District website. If you go, go early. The best selections rarely wait until 11:00 AM.
