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From the Spring 2011 Conservationist for Kids

Great Tree

Outside Page

By Gina Jack

Plant a Tree

Spring is a great time for planting trees. You can plant a tree in your yard or take part in a tree planting program in your community. Remember, it's not just about getting the tree into the ground. Young trees need to be cared for so they can become well established and grow to be mature trees. Mature trees offer comforting shade on a summer day. They also trap pollutants within their cells as they grow, cleaning the air.

For more information about planting trees and tree seedlings for schools, visit DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery

Adopt a Tree

There are many millions of trees across New York State-in our forests, parks and yards, and lining our streets. Adopt a tree by keeping an eye on it through the changing seasons. Write your observations down and compare what you see season-to-season and year-to-year. Use our "Adopt a Tree" (pdf 110 KB) recording sheet or use your own sheet to:

  • List signs of wildlife - birds, squirrels, etc.
  • List signs of invasive species - emerald ash borer, Asian longhorned beetle, etc.
  • Sketch your tree in different seasons, or take a series of photos
  • Make rubbings of the bark and leaves
  • Record what kind of tree it is and how big it is