For Release: Wednesday, March 10, 2004
DEC Announces Free Tree Seedlings Available to Schools
Program Designed to Encourage Environmental Improvements and Education
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Erin M. Crotty today announced that schools across the State can receive free seedlings for spring plantings, which provides students the opportunity to take an active role in conservation while enhancing the environment in their area.
DEC's School Seedling Program provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 20 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate. The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community spaces.
"Our School Seedling Program has been popular across New York State and provides a tremendous opportunity for students to learn invaluable lessons in environmental conservation," Commissioner Crotty said. "Through this program, students gain an appreciation for nature by participating in hands-on efforts to improve the environment. I encourage schools to participate in the program and promote the benefits of protecting and improving our natural landscape."
Teachers and students are encouraged to plan the project ahead of time by discussing the contributions trees contribute to the environment and to determine the objectives of the planting such as erosion control, wildlife enhancement, windbreak and other conservation practices. Through this initiative, educators can help foster the next generation of environmental stewards by providing an outlet for young people to learn the values and importance trees and shrubs have in an environment.
Planting 50 seedlings will require approximately 1,800 square feet, while the shrub planting will require about half that space. Last year the program provided 32,000 seedlings to 680 schools. To participate, schools should contact DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 587-1120 or (518) 581-1439, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office and request a School Seedling brochure that contains all the information necessary to place an order. All orders must be received at the nursery by March 27th.
Efforts to continue successful tree planting programs and urban forestry remains a high priority in New York State. In his 2004 State of the State Address, Governor Pataki announced the commitment of $500,000 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) toward the development of a new urban forestry initiative.
In his Executive Budget, the Governor also proposed using $150,000 from the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to partner with local communities to plant thousands of trees that will save energy, create habitat, raise property values, and improve the quality of life for urban residents. When combined with New York's existing Urban and Community Forestry Program, more than $1 million would be directed to make urban areas greener.
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