Information about land & water

Thanks to Lisa from Washburn County's Land and Water Department for meeting with those who

Japanese Knotweed

own property on Matthews Lake. She covered lots of information including:

•  a sale of native plants that occurs in May. The offerings include bundles of 25 trees for $20; 10 shrubs for $18; and flats of 48 wildflower plants for $44. Sale information goes out in December and you can asked to be notified by sending your email address to: landwtr@co.washburn.wi.us
• a warning about invasive species. Along with Purple Loose Strife which there has been much information about, is Japanese Knotweed. This plant flowers in August. Both of these should be removed. For information visit the DNR website.
• Land owners are encouraged to leave a natural area along the shoreline, with a mowed pathway to the dock, to help preserve the water quality of Matthews Lake.
• sources for plants which include Dragon Fly Gardens in Amery, Wi for native species and Prairie Moon Nursery in Winona., MN for wildflowers. Prairie Moon carries Pretty Darn Quick seed mix, which will flower in the second year.
• lists of native plants that work in various soil and light conditions. For the lists and to get input on what would work for your property, contact Lisa at the Washburn Co. Land & Water Conservation Department, 715-468-4654.
• grants available through the Washburn County Shoreline Restoration and the Healthy Lakes Initiative through the DNR.

Helpful websites:

UW-Stevens Point - information about trees, flowers, shrubs, grasses.

UW Herbarium -a search function of native trees, flowers, etc.

U of Illinois - targeted toward landscaping, trees and shrubs.