The Calvert County Department of Planning & Zoning has launched a new program to help residents expand forested areas in Calvert County by planting native trees on their property. The “Spread Your Leaves” program will allow residents to obtain coupons to purchase native trees at a discount from participating nurseries.
According to the department, the location of the purchased trees will be registered according to the local watersheds. The watershed that plants the most trees will be recognized in December by the Board of County Commissioners.
Residents can obtain the tree coupon through the Planning and Zoning, Environmental Commission, website at www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/TreeCoupon. The website also includes a list of participating nurseries, an interactive map of trees planted through the program, and information on selecting tree varieties based on the planting area and environmental benefits.
Residents can take the printed or digital coupon to participating nurseries, where it may be applied for a $35 discount per tree for up to three trees sized two gallons or larger. At checkout, residents will register their name, address and tree species. This coupon may be combined with the “Marylanders Plant Trees” coupon offered by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Only Calvert County properties outside the critical area are eligible for this tree program.
Residents are encouraged to submit photos of themselves enjoying the trees to nativetree@calvertcountymd.gov or share on social media using the hashtag #CalvertSpreadYourLeaves, to be featured on the Environmental Commission’s website, www.CalvertCountyMd.gov/Environment.
The “Spread Your Leaves” program is funded by revenue from fees paid by developers in lieu of reforesting or afforesting and not buying Forest Conservation Transferable Development Rights.
This program will run until October 31, so residents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity to help expand forested areas in Calvert County.