DEC Announces Hudson River Estuary "Trees for Tribs" Potting Up Event on April 26

Volunteers Encouraged to Assist in Planting Efforts for Annual Arbor Day Event

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that the Hudson River Estuary's Trees for Tribs (tributaries) program will kick-off the spring planting season with a "Potting Up" event in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 26, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at DEC's Regional Office, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz. Volunteers are welcome to join DEC staff in potting up thousands of bare-root seedlings that will be used in the Trees for Tribs program.

"Streamside plantings stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, slow flood waters, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife," said Commissioner Seggos. "Since expanding the Hudson River Estuary's Trees for Tributaries Program statewide, DEC and our partners have planted more than 112,000 trees along streams, supporting Governor Cuomo's nation-leading efforts to protect water quality and increase community resilience."

Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs plantings take place throughout the Hudson Valley in May and September. Municipalities, environmental organizations, land trusts, watershed groups, and schools participate and volunteer. All ages are welcome, but younger volunteers must be accompanied by an adult. On-site training is provided.

The New York State Tree Nursery provides the plants, which are native, New York seed-sourced riparian species, ideal for flood and erosion-prone areas. A list of state Trees for Tribs programs in other watersheds, as well as planting projects and volunteer opportunities, are available on the DEC website. To learn more about Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs or watch a video about the program, visit DEC's Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs website.

The annual Arbor Day observance promotes tree plantings and tree care to highlight the importance of trees to the environment, economy, and overall quality of life. Now celebrating its 11th year, 7,000 Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs volunteers have planted 50,000 shrubs and trees on 108 acres at 300 streamside sites.

For information about Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs planting sites and volunteer opportunities, visit DEC's website. Volunteer planters are coordinated by managers at each site. To volunteer, please RSVP to HudsonEstuaryTFT@dec.ny.gov.

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