Santa Fe, NM – While winter is knocking on the door here in New Mexico, it's not too early to be thinking about spring planting needs for farms, ranches, forested acres or property in need additional trees and shrubs for conservation purposes.

More than sixty-five thousand tree and shrub seedlings are available for purchase through the New Mexico State Forestry Division's 2015 Spring Conservation Seedling Program. Sixty different tree and shrub species are available, according to Conservation Seedling Forester Carol Bada. Seedling sales for spring plating are underway, and distribution will begin in March, 2015.

"The careful planting of tree and shrub species is vital to promoting healthy forests and watersheds in New Mexico," said Bada. "Not only will tree seedlings help rehabilitate areas affected by fires, but they will also help protect crops, promote energy conservation and improve aesthetics on both private and public lands."

Seedlings are available to landowners who own at least one acre of land in New Mexico and who agree to use the trees for conservation purposes including erosion control, wildlife habitat, reforestation, riparian restoration, windbreak establishment, tree plantations and other conservation needs. Seedlings are available on-line at www.nmforestry.com and by mail-in application form. All proceeds are re-invested into the program.

Tree and shrub species available include: Afghan and ponderosa pine, white fir, desert willow, native plum, piñon, golden currant, Nanking cherry, Manchurian apricot and approximately 60 others.

Bare root seedlings are sold in bundles of 25, with a minimum order of 50 plants for $62. Small container seedlings of one-year-old plants are sold in 10-cubic-inch containers in minimum lots of 49 of the same species for $70. A limited range of mixed packages are also available in the 10-cubic-inch containers that are priced at 49 trees for $70. Large container seedlings of two-year old plants are sold in lots of16 and 40-cubic inch containers in minimum lots of 20 of the same species for $57.

Mail-in application forms are being distributed at this time and may also be downloaded from the State Forestry website. Secure on-line ordering is also available at www.nmforestry.com . Visa, Master Card or Discover Cards are accepted as methods of payment. Checks are accepted with mail-in order forms. Anyone who experiences problems downloading the application form may contact the New Mexico Forestry Division at (505) 476-3325 and it will be sent by mail. Three methods of delivery are available ($5 handling fee per order): UPS; pick up in Santa Fe; or pick up at designated locations throughout New Mexico.