Keep Louisiana Beautiful, the state's non-profit organization dedicated to litter prevention and waste reduction, announced a partnership with several state agencies for "Pick It Up or Pay It Out," Louisiana's zero tolerance for litter weekend on March 18  through March 20. The anti-litter organization will join with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Louisiana State Police, Louisiana Sherriff's Association, Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, and the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to raise awareness of the consequences of littering and illegal dumping.

Pick It Up or Pay It Out is a cooperative effort of law enforcement agencies in Louisiana including, Louisiana State Police, LDWF's Enforcement Division and other law enforcement agencies to implement litter zero tolerance policies in their jurisdictions. Littering in Louisiana can result in fines from $50 to $5,000.

It's that time of the year again. Daylight Savings Time starts at 1 a.m. Sunday, March 13. Before you go to bed on Saturday night, remember to "Spring Forward" and set your clocks one hour ahead. Most computers and cell phones will perform this task automatically. It's also a good time to check the battery in your home smoke detectors. If you haven't changed the battery since last spring, it's recommended you change it, even if it still tests "OK." There is no need to throw away nine volt batteries that may still test okay. Keep them for other applications. That way, you will never be tempted to borrow the smoke detector battery, plus the freshest nine volt battery in your house will be in the most important place for your family's safety.

Some newer smoke detectors have ten-year lithium batteries. These don't need to be replaced if they still test okay. However, all  smoke detectors should be tested at least once a month. If your smoke detector is more than ten years old, it's time to think about replacing the whole unit, not just the battery.

The annual Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s (LDAF) Shade Tree Sale will be held on various dates and locations throughout the state, Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said.

Louisiana’s homeowners, hobby urban foresters and gardeners alike have come to anticipate the annual seedling sale, Strain said.

“Consumers know they’ll be able to purchase a variety of hardwood and pine seedlings that are descended from superior stock,” Strain said. “Since the seedlings can be purchased in small packets they are manageable for just about any home gardener.”

Two types of seedling packets will be offered.

Pine packets containing 20 loblolly seedlings are $5. Hardwood seedling packets may be purchased for $5 each and contain six seedlings including two bald cypress, river birch, black gum, green ash and cherry bark oak.

Packet species content may vary in some cases, depending on availability.

All seedlings are bare-root and come with planting and care instructions.