11^TH Annual Arbor Day Event

What: The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs (tributaries) program will kick-off its 11^th annual “Potting Up” event in celebration of Arbor Day on Friday, April 27. Volunteers are encouraged to join Estuary Program staff in potting up thousands of bare-root seedlings that will be used in the Trees for Tribs program. Since 2007, an estimated 7,000 volunteers have planted 50,000 shrubs and trees on 108 acres at 300 streamside sites.

When: Friday, April 27, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Where: DEC Region 3 headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz, NY

Why: DEC’s Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs Program helps to protect and restore streamside buffers by planting native trees and shrubs. Healthy buffers reduce erosion and flood damage and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Planting projects 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.

For information about planting sites and volunteer opportunities, please visit DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/77710.html. Volunteer planters are coordinated by managers at each site.

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 is also available on the DEC website, http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/77710.html.

To learn more about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs, watch a video about Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs on DEC YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFmbTohFnZI&feature=youtu.be or visit Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs at https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/43668.html.