DEC Announces Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs 'Potting Up' Event on Annual Celebration of Arbor Day, April 26

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs (tributaries) program will kick-off the spring planting season with a "Potting Up" event in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 26. Volunteers are welcome to join DEC Estuary Program staff in potting up thousands of bare-root seedlings that will be used in the Trees for Tribs program.

"Planting along streams creates woodland buffers that are critically important for keeping soil in place, slowing floodwaters, intercepting pollution, and providing food and shelter for wildlife," said Interim Commissioner Mahar. "I encourage ALL New Yorkers interested in volunteering this year to help with planting projects throughout the spring."

The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program supports Governor Hochul's 2024 State of the State commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2033 to invigorate New York State's tree planting efforts, advance steps to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act's net-zero goal, and grow the state's vital forest products industry.

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs plantings will take place throughout the Hudson Valley in May and June. Municipalities, environmental organizations, land trusts, watershed groups, and schools participate and volunteer.

DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery provides the plants, which are native, New York seed-sourced riparian species, ideal for flood- and erosion-prone areas. To learn more about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program, watch the video about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs on YouTube at Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs or visit DEC's Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs webpage.

To volunteer for Potting Up please RSVP to [email protected]. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz.

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that promotes tree plantings and tree care and highlights the importance of trees to the environment, economy and overall quality of life. Now celebrating its 18th year, more than 10,000 Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs volunteers have planted 68,000 shrubs and trees on over 145 acres at 395 streamside sites.