Looking to meet Next Generation Science Standards in creative and engaging ways? Whether you’re a teacher or a club leader, DEC’s School Seedling Program from the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery is here to help! New York schools and youth organizations can apply to receive 30-50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students, offering young people an up-close opportunity to participate in conservation while learning about trees and their ecosystem functions! Each school or organization may receive one order per year. Apply online by March 31st. If you need assistance, contact the Saratoga Tree Nursery.

Looking for some tree planting inspiration? Arbor Day is just around the corner on 4/30 and a socially distanced planting event is a great way to celebrate the many benefits trees provide us with!

Need to Prune a Tree? Now Is the Time

Do you have a tree that needs pruning? Winter is a great time to make any necessary cuts. Not only is it easier to assess a tree without its leaves, but pruning when insects are not active helps lower the risk of a fungus or disease entering the pruning wound.

Want to know more, or wondering how to go about your planned pruning? Check out the article “Winter is a Great Time to Prune Trees” in the December 2020 issue of the Conservationist, available on DEC’s website, or visit our tree care webpage.

DEC photo