Forests, Plants, and Land Conservation News

This Month's Topics:

• The Nursery's Spring Sale is Happening Now
• Free School Seedling Program Now Accepting Applications
• Meet the Yellow Birch
• Urban and Community Forestry News

Get Your Seedlings from DEC Nursery's Spring Sale

DEC's Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery's annual seedling sale is happening now! Dozens of tree and shrub species are available for purchase for conservation plantings across New York State. Browse this year's selection on our website, and get your order in early because many favorites go quickly! We recommend placing your order by phone for the most up-to-date species availability information. The sale runs until May 15th, and seedlings are shipped mid-April through May.

Photo: A row of spruce seedlings grows at the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery.

School Seedling Program Now Accepting Applications

Are you an educator looking for exciting and hands-on ways to engage young people? DEC is here to help! Receive free trees or shrubs for your school or educational organization and inspire students by participating in DEC’s School Seedling program. Eligible organizations include all schools located within New York State (public, private, vocational, or college) as well as any youth education-based organization.

Applying for the School Seedling program is easy! Simply fill out and submit the School Seedling Brochure and Order Form between January 2nd and March 31st. Each school or school-sponsored organization may apply once per year. The application can be found on our website.

Get to Know New York's Natives: Yellow Birch

At up to 75 feet tall with a 35-50-foot spread, the yellow birch (Betula alleghaniensis) isn't just the largest birch species in New York State, it's also one of the largest hardwoods in the Northeast. When mature, this sturdy giant is easily recognized by its silvery bark that peels away from the tree in thin, curly strips. In fall, it lives up to its name with brilliant yellow foliage.

Throughout all seasons, the yellow birch is a favorite among many wildlife species. In late winter, the tree's small cones release their seeds, providing a snack for birds such as pileated woodpeckers, ruffed grouse, chickadees, and more. Deer enjoy browsing the seedlings year-round, and porcupines and beaver graze the bark. Even humans take pleasure in this tree through the wintergreen scent of the twigs.

Looking to plant yellow birch on your property? This tree prefers moist, well-drained acidic soils in full sun or partial shade.

Photo: In winter, a mature yellow birch is easily identified by its silver, curly bark.

Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Corner

ReLeaf Committees

New year, new resolution to get involved in your community? Find your local ReLeaf committee meeting on our UCF Activities web page, and join us at our next one!

Urban Grants

The New York State Urban Forestry Council has Quick Start Grants for communities looking to become a Tree City USA. The application period closes February 14th.

ReLeaf Conference 2020 - Save the Date!

The 2020 ReLeaf Conference is just six months away! This year's conference will take place July 23-25 at Canisius College in Buffalo, NY. Stay tuned for the theme and more details coming soon!

Tree City, Tree Campus, and Tree Line Programs

It's not too late to submit your application to become a 2019 Tree City, Tree Campus, or Tree Line! Send in your application by February 29th in order to qualify for the Tree City Luncheon, happening March 19 in Albany. Watch your mail and e-mail for more details.