DEC announces annual spring seedling sale and programs

By Jennifer Patterson

Dozens of low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species are available statewide through a partnership between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery.

The annual spring seedling sale, which runs through May 10, encourages plantings that help conserve New York’s natural resources and fosters the next generation of forests.

“Planting trees helps us all invest in a greener future by providing a renewable resource for wood products, preventing erosion, improving air and water quality, lowering energy needs for heating and cooling, and combating climate change,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. “Trees also provide habitat for native wildlife and increase overall health and well-being.”

The DEC’s tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings well suited to New York’s varying climate.

Seedlings are available in bundles of 25 or more, along with several mixed-species packets for people seeking variety. They are a minimum of five inches tall and are one to three years old, depending on the species.

The sale supports the state’s commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2033 to increase New York’s tree planting efforts, advance steps to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s net-zero goal, and grow the state’s forest products industry.

“Since 1911, the Saratoga Tree Nursery has helped shape the future of New York’s forests,” Seggos said, “by providing seedlings for restoration and conservation plantings.”

In addition, free seedlings are available for youth education across the state through the School Seedling Program.

Applications will be accepted through March 29 from schools and youth education organizations to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students.

The goal of the program is to help instill a sense of environmental stewardship at a young age and set a foundation that will allow students to make informed decisions about the use of natural resources.

The program is a tool for educators at all schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, homeschool, vocational, college or university) to use in meeting the Next Generation Science Standards. It provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about natural systems and the valuable role that trees play, while building awareness about conservation issues.

The DEC is also offering its “Buffer in a Bag” program, where qualifying private and public landowners can apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, combat climate change and improve wildlife habitat.

To qualify, landowners must have property in New York State with at least 50 feet bordering a body of water. A total of 250 bags will be available during this round of applications on a first-come, first-served basis through April 17, or when supplies run out.

The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery also provides seedlings for the “Buffer in a Bag” program.

To place an order for the annual spring seedling sale, call 518-587-1120. For information, go to https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/saratoga-tree-nursery.