New York ReLeaf
The New York ReLeaf Program is made up of regional committees and overseen by DEC in partnership with the NYS Urban Forestry Council, a not-for-profit advisory group. ReLeaf brings together tree care professionals, municipal staff, utility arborists, state and local government officials, educators, tree board members, and interested members of the public in support of urban forestry across the state. The program promotes the value of trees, proper tree care, and sound urban forest management practices by connecting communities to technical expertise, information and resources, training, and potential funding sources that will help them meet their local needs and maintain and improve their urban forests.
We encourage anyone who cares about the trees in their neighborhoods to get involved.
Chainsaw safety training is just one example of a ReLeaf workshop
What ReLeaf Does
ReLeaf committees provide technical expertise and support in a variety of ways:
- Workshops - Each region aims to host at least one workshop a year. Workshop topics are decided by the committee and have included in the past: tree pruning, tree planting, chainsaw safety, tree stewardship programs, volunteer management and programs, building partnerships, tree and plant appraisal, electrical hazard awareness, writing tree ordinances, and more. Workshops are open to the public, range from half day to full day programs, and registration is required. Our activity page lists upcoming workshops.
- Annual conference - Each year NY ReLeaf hosts an annual conference in a different part of the state. The conference is an opportunity for anyone interested in urban forestry to come together, make connections, and learn new topics from speakers around the state and northeast. Some presentations and photos from past conferences are available on the NYS Urban Forestry Council Conference Page (leaves DEC website). The 2020 Conference will be in Buffalo, NY.
- Arbor Day events - Arbor day events around the state benefit from technical support from ReLeaf committee members who assist in tree plantings and celebrations in their communities. Committees have helped with sourcing trees and teaching volunteers best planting practices to ensure the newly planted trees survive into the future.
- Demonstrations - Committees have worked with their local communities to put on tree planting and tree pruning demonstrations for municipal and department of public works staff, for students and schools, and for other groups. These demonstrations might be part of larger events like Arbor day or done as part of workshops.
- Volunteer events - ReLeaf Committees participate in and sometimes organize volunteer events, usually tree plantings, in support of their communities.
How to Get Involved
Sign up for our monthly email newsletter about New York's forests, plants, and urban and community forestry to get news and events.
Follow our activity page to learn about upcoming workshops and events.
Interested in getting involved with your regional ReLeaf committee? Email urbanforestry@dec.ny.gov with your county and level of interest and we'll connect you to your regional co-chairs.
