Sheridan County Conservation District

10/25/2026

🌳 TREE SPOTLIGHT: GREEN ASH

Last week, we talked about Caragana, one of Sheridan County’s toughest shrubs.

This week, we’re highlighting another longtime favorite: Green Ash!

If you’ve lived in northeastern Montana for very long, you’ve probably seen plenty of green ash. These trees have been planted in shelterbelts, farmyards, and around homes for generations—and for good reason.

Green ash is native to our region and has proven to be hardy and adaptable. It can handle cold winters, prairie winds, and a variety of soil conditions.

It has also provided reliable shade and wind protection in our challenging climate.

🌿 A few interesting facts about Green Ash:

🍃 Under favorable conditions, green ash can grow 40–60 feet tall, although trees in our area are often smaller.

🍃 It grows relatively quickly compared to many other trees suited to northeastern Montana.

🍃 It provides shade, wildlife habitat, and wind protection.

🍃 Its leaves turn a beautiful golden yellow in the fall.

🍃 Many mature green ash trees today were planted decades ago through shelterbelt and conservation efforts.

So, if green ash grows so well here, why aren’t we encouraging people to plant more of it?

The biggest concern is the emerald ash borer (EAB)—an invasive insect that attacks and kills ash trees. It has already destroyed millions of ash trees across North America.

Green ash has served our area well. However, planting more of it today could leave future shelterbelts vulnerable to the same threat.

We’re also seeing many older shelterbelts throughout Sheridan County begin to decline. Some have protected homes, livestock, and fields for 50 years or more!

That’s why it’s important to start thinking about the next generation of shelterbelts.

Planting a variety of suitable species, instead of relying heavily on one type of tree, can help create healthier and more resilient windbreaks.

The trees planted by previous generations have served us well. Now it’s our turn to plan for the generations that follow. 🌱

🌳 Tree orders are now open!

If you have an aging shelterbelt or are considering planting a new one, contact or stop by the Sheridan County Conservation District. We’d be happy to discuss your options and our 50/50 Tree Planting Cost-Share Program.

And we’re curious: Do you have green ash growing on your property? How are your older trees holding up?

10/20/2026

10/18/2026

🌳 TREE SPOTLIGHT: CARAGANA

One question I get asked quite often is, “What trees grow well in Sheridan County?”

There are actually quite a few trees and shrubs that can handle life here in northeastern Montana, but one that has certainly stood the test of time is the Caragana, also known as the Siberian Peashrub.

If you’ve driven around Sheridan County, you’ve probably seen Caragana growing in shelterbelts around old farmsteads and fields. There’s a reason it’s been planted here for generations!

Caragana is one tough shrub. It can handle our bitterly cold winters, hot, dry summers, and relentless prairie winds. Once established, it’s also very drought tolerant, which is a pretty important quality around here!

A few things you might not know about Caragana:

🌿 It typically grows 6–15 feet tall and can form a thick, dense hedge.

🌿 Its bright yellow flowers bloom in late spring and provide a food source for pollinators.

🌿 As a member of the legume family, Caragana can fix nitrogen, allowing it to grow in some pretty poor soils.

🌿 Its dense branches provide nesting habitat and protection for birds and other wildlife.

🌿 It’s commonly used in shelterbelts to help reduce wind speeds, trap snow, and protect the soil.

Of course, no tree or shrub is perfect! Caragana can spread by seed, and older plantings can become overgrown and full of dead branches if they aren’t maintained. It’s also a nonnative species, so it’s important to consider where it’s being planted.

Caragana might not be the prettiest shrub in the shelterbelt, but it’s certainly earned its place on the Montana prairie!

Over the next several weeks, I’ll be highlighting different trees and shrubs that grow in Sheridan County. Some are available through our tree program, while others are established trees you might recognize around the county. We’ll talk about what makes them great, what challenges they have, and where they grow best.

🌳 Now I’m curious! Do you have Caragana growing on your property? Is it a favorite, or is it one of those shrubs you have a love-hate relationship with?

We’d love to hear your experiences!

And don’t forget, tree orders are now open at the Sheridan County Conservation District. Give us a call, send us an email, or stop by the office to visit about your planting plans!

CountyMT

10/17/2026

🍝Happy National Pasta Day!

Did you know the story behind your plate of pasta might just start right here in Sheridan County?

Durum wheat is the wheat of choice for making pasta - and here in northeast Montana, we grow a LOT of it.

According to USDA data, Sheridan County farmers planted 294,000 acres of durum wheat in 2023, producing more than 8.3 MILLION bushels. That's a whole lot of potential spaghetti, macaroni and penne! 🌾🍝

From the fields of northeast Montana to pasta bowls across the county and around the world, our local producers are helping grow one of the key ingredients behind a food we all know and love.

So today, when you sit down to a plate of pasta, take a moment to think about where it began - because there's a good chance it started in a field much like the ones right here at home.

Happy National Pasta Day from Sheridan County Conservation District! 🌾

10/16/2026

Our Conservation District Field Technician, Amy, will be out in the field today and all of next week checking water levels in the Clear Lake Aquifer.

10/15/2026

🌳 Tree Orders Are NOW OPEN! 🌲

It’s time to start planning your spring tree planting!

The Sheridan County Conservation District is now accepting tree orders! Whether you’re looking to plant a windbreak, add some wildlife habitat, or spruce up your yard, we’d love to help!

Give us a call 406-765-1801 ext 101, send us an email [email protected], or stop by the office to pick up an order form.

🌱 Get your orders in early for the best selection!

10/14/2026

🍰 Happy National Dessert Day! 🌾

Before dessert makes it to the table, it starts with agriculture.

🥛Milk, cream & butter from dairy cows
🥚Eggs from poultry producers and backyard henhouses
🌾Wheat grown on our prairie fields for flour
🍓Fruits grown in orchards, fields, and backyards
🍯Honey from hardworking bees and beekeepers
🫜 Sugarbeets for sugar
🌻Sunflowers and Canola for oil

From a warm slice of pie to a batch of cookies or a bowl of ice cream, there's a whole lot of agriculture behind our favorite sweet treats.

Today is a pretty good excuse to enjoy dessert - and thank the farmers, ranchers, growers, and producers who help make it possible. 🤎

What's your favorite dessert?