ROSEBURG, Ore. – Spring is near, and it’s time for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s annual plant give-away to benefit wildlife.

Douglas County gardeners should come to the ODFW Roseburg office, 4192 N. Umpqua Highway on Tuesday, Mar. 9 from 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. for their free plants. Gardeners are limited to three plants each.

New this year is an “express line” for all gardeners who also hold a 2010 Oregon hunting license. “We want to honor Douglas County hunters with a way to quickly get their plants because it’s their money that pays for the program,” said Bill Cannaday, Douglas Assistant District Wildlife Biologist.

The free plants provide birds and other wildlife with forage, giving gardeners and nature enthusiasts an alternative to artificial wildlife feeding. Information on the benefit of natural forage will be given out as well.

Free bare-rooted plants this year are: creek dogwood, thimbleberry, salmon berry, white snowberry, common choke cherry, Oregon grape, clustered wild rose, and wood strawberry. All plants require moist soil and partial or full sun. Plants benefit big game, birds, amphibians, reptiles and various small mammals.

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The mission of the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is to protect and enhance Oregon's fish and wildlife and their habitats for use and enjoyment by present and future generations. The agency consists of the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission, a commission-appointed director and a statewide staff of approximately 950 permanent employees. Headquartered in Salem, ODFW has regional offices in Clackamas, Roseburg, Bend, and La Grande with ten district offices located throughout the state. For additional information, please visit www.dfw.state.or.us.

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