Hudson RiverNet
News from the Hudson River Estuary Program

In This Issue:

• Water Literacy for Lower New York Students Webinar: Feb. 2, 1:00 - 2:15 p.m.
• Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Webinar: Feb. 9, 8:30 - 9:30 a.m.
• Apply Now for Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Spring Planting Projects
• DEC's Saratoga Nursery Spring Seedling Sale Now On

Water Literacy for Lower New York Students: Feb. 2, 1:00 p.m. - 2:15 p.m.

Every year, the New York State Water Resources Institute at Cornell supports research that addresses critical water resource issues in New York State and the nation. This project focused on increasing students’ connections to their local watersheds by allowing them to develop their own water literacy and discover that the ocean is relevant to them and their communities. Students from schools from the five boroughs of NYC, Yonkers, and Nassau County, participated in a series of interactive webinars to learn about local watershed research and outreach. Students also attended “It’s My Estuary Day” an annual large-scale event held in Brooklyn to participate in water testing, beach cleanups, and more. Learn more about this project and register for the presentation.  Find out about the other NYS Water Resources Institute Spring Series presentations here.

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Virtual Presentation February 9

Learn about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs during a virtual presentation February 9, 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The presentation is part of the monthly Hudson River Watershed Alliance lecture series. DEC’s Beth Roessler, coordinator of Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs, will describe the program’s history and provide recommendations for potential applicants. 

Chet Kerr, Chair of the Greater Irvington Land Trust, and Sue Galloway of Dobbs Ferry will share their experience working with the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program to revegetate an area along the Saw Mill River in a newly formed park in the Village of Dobbs Ferry. They will describe their goals for planting this area and the collaboration between community volunteers and the Village of Dobbs Ferry, Groundwork Hudson Valley, and the Greater Irvington Land Trust to plan, prepare, plant and care for the new seedlings. Register for the presentation.

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs: Apply Now for Spring Planting

Do you own or manage land along a tributary stream of the tidal Hudson River? You can now apply to receive free native plants to help reduce erosion and improve habitat along your stream. Plants are available for large projects (more than 60 plants) on both public and privately-owned lands. Our staff can help you with a planting plan and work with your volunteers. 

Applicants must complete an application, and if the project is selected, recruit volunteers for planting, and maintain the site after the planting is complete. The application deadline is March 1 for a spring planting. For more information and to download an application, please visit DEC's Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs website.

DEC's Spring Seedling Sale Jan. 3 – May 12

The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale is now open to the public and runs until May 12. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub seedlings for conservation plantings on public and private lands.

DEC's tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings that are well-suited to our state's climate. They are available in bundles of 25 or more, plus there are several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety. Seedlings are a minimum of five inches tall and are one to three years old depending on the species. For more information including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC's website.