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DEC Tree & Shrub Program

Posted: Fri Jan 07, 2011 10:39 pm
by dave
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery has begun taking orders for its annual sale of tree and shrub seedlings. Schools across New York can also now receive free seedlings for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program, which will provide 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate.

The Saratoga Tree Nursery produces more than 50 species of trees and shrubs for planting on public and private land. The objective of the program is to provide low-cost, native planting materials from known New York sources to encourage landowners to enhance the state's environment for future generations.

Hand-picked New York seed provides the best characteristics for a lifetime of healthy and hardy plants. Trees and shrubs create excellent "green" structures; a row of cedar or spruce make attractive snow fencing, sound barrier, and songbird shelter. A row of shrub willow is a fast-growing and effective visual barrier.

Landowners can get planting advice from their nearest DEC forestry office or private forestry consultant. The brochure and order form "2011 Trees and Shrubs" can be found DEC's website, or by calling the nursery. To order seedlings by phone, call (518) 587-1120. Call early for best selection. Mail orders are also accepted and can be sent to the Saratoga Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Orders may be placed through mid-May. Seedlings are shipped from mid-April to mid-May.

To participate in DEC's School Seedling Program, schools should contact (518) 581-1439, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office to request a "School Seedlings" brochure. The brochure contains all the information necessary to place an order. The information and application is also available on the DEC website. Applications must be received at the nursery by March 31, 2011.

The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community spaces. Teachers and students are encouraged to plan the project ahead of time by discussing the value trees contribute to the environment and to determine the objectives of the planting. Trees are instrumental in helping control erosion, enhance wildlife, provide windbreaks, and support many other conservation practices.