For the past 20 years, the Pearl River County Soil and Water Conservation District has held an annual tree sale in an effort to help preserve the environment and educate youth about the importance of nature conservation.

District Clerk Beverly Hughes said their office is currently accepting orders now until Dec. 31 for the 2016 tree sale. The order must be paid at the time it is placed via check, cash or money order and every order is non-refundable. The trees will be available for pickup on Jan. 28 and 29 at the PRCSWCD office in Poplarville, Hughes said.

The funds from the tree sale will support the organization’s educational programs that benefit all school districts within Pearl River County.

“We provide booklets, printed materials and field trips for students from kindergarten to 12th grade,” Hughes said.

The aim of the plant sale is to get the community involved in nature conservation.

Hughes said every plant has a role in the ecosystem.

“Some of the small, native fruit trees are primarily planted for wildlife. The fruit trees allow us to consume the fruits and preserve them by making jams; the flowering shrubs are ornamental and the shade trees are beneficial for heating and cooling and holding our soil in place,” Hughes said.

Prices vary according to the tree species. Shade and ornamental trees range from $2 to $4 and stand 18 inches tall. Small, native fruit trees, including apple and plum, range from $2 to $3 and stand 18 inches tall. Fruit trees such as pear, apple and apricot, are $7.50 and stand at three feet tall and flowering shrubs with red, white, purple and pink flowers range from $2 to $3 and stand at 18 inches tall.

The Pearl River County Soil and Water Conservation District is located at 310 Highway 11 E. in Poplarville. To place an order, contact Hughes at 601-795-4409.