FREE TREE SEEDLINGS AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS
For Release: IMMEDIATE Contact: Lori Severino
Thursday, February 5, 2009 (518) 402-8000
DEC ANNOUNCES FREE TREE SEEDLINGS AVAILABLE TO SCHOOLS
Schools across the state are now eligible to receive free seedlings for spring planting through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) School Seedling Program. The program provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate.
The seedlings can be planted on school grounds or other community space. Teachers and students are encouraged to plan the project ahead of time by discussing the values trees contribute to the environment to determine the objectives of the planting such as erosion control, wildlife enhancement, windbreak and other conservation practices.
“As we step up our efforts to green New York, this is a wonderful opportunity for schools across New York to obtain native tree seedlings free of charge,” said Commissioner Pete Grannis. “The seedlings we plant this spring will grace the grounds of our schools for generations to come, and help clean our water and air and sequester carbon to mitigate climate change.”
Planting 50 seedlings will require approximately 1,800 square feet, while the shrub planting will require about half that space.
To participate, schools should contact DECs Saratoga Tree Nursery at (518) 587-1120, or the nearest DEC regional forestry office and request a school seedling brochure that contains all the information necessary to place an order. All orders must be received at the nursery by March 31st. For more information on the school seedling program, visit the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9393.html .
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