New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced the Hudson Estuary 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 28. Volunteers are welcome to join DEC Estuary Program staff in potting up thousands of bare-root seedlings that will be used in the Trees for Tribs program.

“The Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs program provides a great opportunity for communities to work together as environmental stewards and support the state’s efforts to protect vulnerable streamsides with tree plantings," said DEC Commissioner Seggos. "The plantings provide healthy buffers that help reduce water pollution, erosion, and flood damage and protect the important habitat for fish and other wildlife that thrive along the river. I encourage anyone interested to volunteer in this year’s program to help with planting projects throughout the spring.”

Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs plantings will take place throughout the Hudson Valley in May and June. Municipalities, environmental organizations, land trusts, watershed groups, and schools participate and volunteer.

DEC’s Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery provides the plants. They are native, New York seed-sourced riparian species, ideal for flood and erosion-prone areas. To learn more about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs, a video about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs is available on YouTube at Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs or visit DEC's Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs webpage.

To volunteer for “Potting Up” please RSVP to HudsonEstuaryTFT@dec.ny.gov. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz.

Arbor Day is a nationally celebrated observance that promotes tree plantings and tree care and highlights the importance of trees to the environment, economy and overall quality of life. Now celebrating its 17th year, more than 9,700 Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs volunteers have planted at least 66,000 shrubs and trees on 140+ acres at 392 streamside sites.