For Release: Wednesday, December 27, 2006
DEC Announces Free Tree Seedlings Available to Schools
Teaches New York's Children the Importance of Planting Trees
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan today announced that free tree seedlings are available to schools across the State for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program.
"I encourage schools to get involved in this valuable program," Commissioner Sheehan said. "Tree planting teaches children from urban to rural neighborhoods the value that trees can provide, helps foster a sense of accomplishment and environmental stewardship in our next generation, and beautifies our local school grounds."
The program provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 20 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate in the program. The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community space. Wildlife shrubs provide food and shelter for birds and mammals and make a good buffer between open and forested areas. Trees provide beauty, erosion control, shade, wildlife habitat and can act as a windbreak on school grounds.
Teachers and students are encouraged to plan the tree planting project ahead of time by discussing the values trees contribute to the environment. The actual planting provides students and teachers with hands-on environmental conservation experience.
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 nearly 24,000 seedlings to over 600 schools.
To participate, schools should contact DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 587-1120 or (518) 581-1439, starting January 2, 2007, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office and request a "School Seedling Program" brochure that contains all the information necessary to place an order. All orders must be received at the nursery by March 31, 2007.
