Supports New York State’s Goal to Plant 25 Million Trees by 2033

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced that 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 25, and Monday April 28. Volunteers are encouraged 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 goal to plant 25 million trees by 2033 and to protect vulnerable streamsides with tree plantings," said Acting Commissioner Lefton. "These plantings provide healthy buffers that help reduce water pollution, erosion, and flood damage and protect important habitat for fish and other wildlife that thrive along the river. I encourage all New Yorkers interested in supporting the State’s tree planting-goal to volunteer in this year's Trees for Tribs program and assist with these important planting projects.”

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, which are native, New York seed-sourced riparian species, ideal for flood and erosion-prone areas.

Potting Up takes place on Friday, April 25, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Monday, April 28, from noon to 7 p.m. at the DEC Region 3 Headquarters, 21 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz. To volunteer for "Potting Up" for one or both days, please register here or RSVP to HudsonEstuaryTFT@dec.ny.gov.

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 19^th year, more than 10,500 volunteers have helped the Hudson River Estuary Trees for Tribs plant an estimated 71,000 shrubs and trees on more than 151 acres at 405 streamside sites. These efforts align with Governor Kathy Hochul's ambitious "25 Million Trees by 2033" initiative announced in her 2024 State of the State address, which aims to invigorate tree planting efforts statewide in recognition of the critical role of trees in protecting air and water quality, preventing flooding and runoff, providing wildlife habitat, reducing energy bills by cooling communities, enhancing overall quality of life, and boosting local economies through forest products and forest-related recreation.