New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton announced Tuesday the Col. William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery’s annual spring seedling sale is now open and will run through May 13.
Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, locally grown trees and shrubs for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve New York state’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests.
“DEC’s Saratoga Tree Nursery annual seedling sale is a simple, affordable way for New Yorkers to help create wildlife habitat, clean our air and water, reduce flooding, lower summer temperatures and improve the quality of life in their communities,” Lefton said in a press release.
“Every tree planted counts toward Governor (Kathy) Hochul’s 25-million-tree-planting goal for the state, which will strengthen our forests and build more resilient communities. By planting native seedlings today, you’ll be making a lasting investment in a healthier, greener future for generations to come.”
DEC’s tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings that are well suited to New York’s climate. Seedlings are sold in bundles of 25 or more, and there are several mixed species packets available. Seedlings are bare root, a minimum of five inches tall, and 1 to 3 years old, depending on the species.
Call 518-587-1120 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. to place an order. For more information, visit the Spring Seedling Sale website at dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/saratoga-tree-nursery/spring-seedling-sale.
For more information about the 25 Million Trees Initiative, visit on.ny.gov/25milliontrees, and enter seedlings planted into the Tree Tracker at on.ny.gov/treetracker.
School Seedling Program Application Period Now Open
Applications are also being accepted for the nursery’s School Seedling Program until March 27.
Schools and youth education organizations across New York may apply to receive 50 free seedlings to plant with their students.
The program aims to foster environmental stewardship at a young age and equip students to make informed decisions about natural resource use, according to a press release from DEC. The program is a tool for educators to help meet the Next Generation Science Standards as it provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about natural systems and the valuable role that trees play while building their awareness of conservation issues.
All schools — public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university — homeschool groups and any youth education-based organization may apply, provided trees are planted within New York state. Individual homeschools must apply through a homeschool group, co-op or other association.
Seedlings are 2 to 3 years old, about 4 to 12 feet tall and bare root. There are three species available — pitch pine, red oa, and silky dogwood — and up to two educators per school or organization may apply for a package of seedlings this year.
For more information and to apply online, visit dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/saratoga-tree-nursery/school-seedling-program. For assistance or questions, contact the Col. William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or call 518-581-1439.