Forests, Plants, and Land Conservation News

DEC Announces New Trees for Tribs Initiative

DEC has announced a new initiative from the Trees for Tribs program called Buffer in a Bag, which is designed to help increase riparian buffers throughout New York State. Qualifying public and private landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings to plant along streams, rivers or lakes to help stabilize banks, decrease erosion, protect water quality and improve wildlife habitat.

To qualify, landowners must have property that borders at least 50 feet of a stream, river or lake, and provide photos and map coordinates of the planting location. Landowners with 100 feet or more may apply for up to two bags of seedlings a year. A total of 350 bags will be available statewide for this first round of applications, and recipients will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit DEC's web page for more information about the Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements. Applications are due by 3 p.m. on April 3, 2019.

Maple Madness Grips the Northeast

New York's maple season is kicking off now! Many DEC education centers and New York State Parks provide maple programs for all ages this time of year. Find one near you by checking out DEC's events calendar or by searching "maple" on NYS Parks' webpage.

In the meantime, you can get in the spirit with these marvelous maple facts:

• It takes ~40 gallons of sap to make just 1 gallon of maple syrup.
• The sugar maple is New York's state tree.
• New York is one of the top maple syrup producers in the world. For the past several years, Vermont has held tight to the #1 spot, with New York and Maine battling it out for #2 and #3.
• Sugar maple is the most popular species used for making syrup, but red, black, or silver maples are also sometimes tapped.
• Maple syrup's not just for pancakes! Check out recipes for using maple in every meal.

Spring Seedling Sale Happening Until May 9

Did you know DEC's Saratoga Tree Nursery is the oldest state tree nursery in the country? Be a part of the 100+ year tradition of conservation plantings in New York State by purchasing seedlings during the Nursery's spring sale, going on now through May 9. More than 40 species of native trees and shrubs available for low costs. Several species are already low in stock, so be sure to order by phone for the most up-to-date availability info.