Watch the Forest Grow Initiative

photo monitoring sign found at recovery sites

Photo monitoring sign with
instructions at recovery sites

DEC's Watch the Forest Grow Initiative is a tool used to demonstrate site recovery at streamside planting and timber management areas. Native trees and shrubs are planted at these sites to improve wildlife habitat, water quality and storm resilience.

We encourage you to visit designated locations, take photos at the marked area, and submit them to DEC staff. Photos will be placed in chronological order on this website.

How to Get Involved

It's easy to participate! Visit one of the locations listed below and follow the instructions on the location's photo monitoring sign to submit your photos.

Photos can be taken with any camera device by aligning it with the bracket found on each photo monitoring sign. Photos should be emailed to the email address listed on the site's sign and include the date, time and location number listed in the email subject line.