Event Supports Governor Kathy Hochul's “25 Million Trees” and “Get Offline, Get Outside” Initiatives   

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced the annual Arbor Day Tree Expo at Cazenovia Park in Buffalo on April 25, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Hosted by the Buffalo Olmsted Parks and the New York State Urban Forestry Council (UFC), along with partners DEC and the Western New York ReLeaf Committee, attendees can participate in fun activities, learn about the tree care industry, and enjoy live demonstrations of professional arborists working on trees in the park.  

“DEC is excited to support the Arbor Day Tree Expo where community members can take a hands-on approach to learning about tree stewardship,” DEC’s Region 9 Assistant Director Chad Staniszewski said. “Live expert demonstrations will show participants all the skills and techniques that go into proper tree care while also providing opportunities to participate in kid-friendly activities that promote the importance of trees in our communities.”    

Professional arborists and foresters will be at the event to answer questions about tree care, career advice, and provide guided walks of the work underway. In addition to live demonstrations, the Arbor Day Tree Expo includes fun “Get Offline and Get Outside” Challenge opportunities, Touch-A-Truck with large forestry vehicles, a free tree sapling giveaway, and educational tree planting demonstrations. 

Buffalo Olmsted Parks Conservancy (BOPC) Forestry Manager Michael Sawyer said, "BOPC is thrilled to co-host the Tree Expo as part of Arbor Day! Olmsted’s Forestry team has teamed up with DEC and NYS UFC to show the community all stages of tree care in action and to educate attendees on the Olmsted Park’s incredible tree canopy and our approach to tree stewardship." 

This event supports Governor Kathy Hochul's goal of planting 25 Million Trees by 2033. All trees planted by volunteers will be counted toward the 25 million tree goal. To learn how you can contribute, visit DEC's “25 Million Tree” webpage. The event will also help support the Governor Hochul's "Get Offline, Get Outside" initiative that is designed to encourage New Yorkers to get off their devices and take advantage of the outdoors.

Reservations are not required and there is no cost associated with this event. For more information about the Expo, visit https://www.bfloparks.org/event/tree-expo/.