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Contact Information Date
For Immediate Release
Contact: Gregg O’Donnell 434.220.9098 or 434.989.0665		 October 24, 2008
VDOF-08031

Virginia’s Tree Seedling Store Opens Monday

Virginians looking to plant trees on their land in the spring will have to go no farther than their computer when the Virginia Department of Forestry (VDOF) opens its online tree seedling store Monday.

And this year’s first customer, Vaughan-Bassett Furniture Company in Galax, has been anxiously waiting the opportunity to purchase 150,000 seedlings that it will donate to Virginia landowners as part of the company’s 1-4-1 Program, which was launched last year and matches one donated seedling for every tree harvested and used by Vaughan-Bassett in the manufacture of its furniture.

“The 1-4-1 Program is a huge success,” said Vaughan-Bassett Chairman John Bassett.  “It clearly demonstrates that companies can practice true sustainability in their business operations.  We are very pleased with our partnership with the Virginia Department of Forestry.”

The VDOF’s two tree nurseries grow and sell 33 million tree seedlings each year.

State Forester Carl Garrison said, “Our tree nurseries cultivate, pack and ship some of the best species available – something we’ve been doing for the citizens of the Commonwealth for 91 years.”

Virginians who are interested in purchasing tree seedlings can log onto the VDOF Web site at www.dof.virginia.gov and order from the more than 45 species available.  The online store also includes information to help landowners choose the right species, as well as pricing and shipping details.  A seedling price guide, with a mail-in order form, is also available at any VDOF office.

For more information, or to place an order over the phone, call the Augusta Forestry Center at 540.363.7000.

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