School Seedling Program
Due to school closures as a result of COVID-19, the Nursery will not be shipping plants to school addresses. If you listed a school address on your application, please contact the Nursery by May 20th or the order will be cancelled.
Applicants who gave an address other than their school will receive their shipments as scheduled.
Planting and caring for tree seedlings can help young people learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play. Schools and educational organizations are eligible to receive free trees or shrubs by participating in this educational program. Participants receive seedlings from the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery along with guidance on how to plant and care for them.
Meeting Next Generation Science Standards
Provide young people with a hands-on way to understand natural systems, observe their environment, and learn key vocabulary. When students plant tree seedlings they can discover the structure and function of trees while building their awareness about conservation.
As seedlings mature the young trees can be a continuing, personalized way of relating what they've learned in class to living examples. Ultimately, the experience can help students make informed decisions about conservation and use of natural resources.
Eligible Organizations
- All schools located within New York State - public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university.
- Any youth education-based organization.
Planting can be related to a wide variety of scholastic programs - it is not confined to any given subject, purpose or age level. We encourage planting on school property so students can be responsible for the care and protection of the seedlings.
How to Apply
The application period is currently closed and will reopen January 2021.
Species available
If you have questions about what species might be right for you, contact your Regional DEC Forestry Office. A forester will be available to advise you on the appropriate species of trees to choose and proper planting technique.
- White Spruce (Picea glauca): Native, short-needled evergreen. Grows in clay and/or loamy soils and reaches 70 feet at maturity. Can be planted statewide. Fifty (50) seedlings will be given to each participating organization. You will need 1,800 square feet of open space for 50 seedlings. Each needs a growing space about 6 feet in diameter.
- White Pine (Pinus strobus): Native long-needled evergreen. Grows best in well-drained soils and reaches 100 feet at maturity. Can be planted statewide. Fifty (50) seedlings will be given to each participating school. You will need 1,800 square feet of open space for 50 seedlings. Each needs a growing space about 6 feet in diameter.
- Wildlife Packet (Packet #2): A mix of 30 wildlife habitat shrubs that are attractive to songbirds, as well as a variety of other wildlife. Will grow in clay or loamy soils. Plant varieties of the same kind together to promote pollination and fruiting. Can be planted statewide. These should be planted 6 feet apart and require only 900 square feet of open space.
Seedling Shipment
The seedlings are 2 to 3 years old, about 4"-12" tall, and bare-root. They are light enough for young children to carry and plant. Shipment is by UPS, beginning April 13th and running through the third week in May. Select a shipping date at least 3 days prior to the planting date. Shipping takes place on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday only.
For schools: Do not schedule shipment during school vacation.
Planting Instructions
Seedlings are perishable. Keep in a cool, shaded place until planting. Do not let the roots dry out.
TOOLS REQUIRED: Shovel and bucket
- Place seedlings in a bucket and fill with water until all roots are covered.
- Remove all vegetation for at least one foot around the planting spot for each seedling to reduce competition with other plants.
- Dig a hole deep and wide enough to contain the tree's roots.
- Place the roots of the seedling in the hole and carefully spread them out. The root collar (where roots join the stem) should be at the ground's surface. The seedling should stand straight.
- Fill the hole with soil and gently compact to remove air pockets that could dry out the roots and kill the seedling. Reposition the seedling as necessary to keep it straight and to prevent the root collar from being buried.
- Water the seedling slowly and thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. If rainfall is not adequate, water weekly for the first year after planting.
- Mark the seedlings with a stake or flagging so they won't be cut off by a mower or stepped on.
- Fertilizer is not recommended at planting time. It can be applied two or three years after planting when the root system has developed.
Support the School Seedling Program
You can support the School Seedling Program through a donation to the Natural Heritage Trust's Tree Fund by clicking the "Donate to Help Plant Trees" button on the right. Just $20 can support 40 bare-root trees and shrubs that will be given to school programs across the state to teach young people about the natural world.
