Living the Green Life

Top Living the Green Life

It is Tree Time—Arbor Day and More

April includes Arbor Day (Friday, April 26)—a time to appreciate and plant trees. Trees are a vital part of our environment, and responsibly managing our forests and planting trees are important to “Living the Green Life.” Some DEC and state initiatives to promote tree planting and forest regeneration include:

Governor Hochul’s initiative to plant twenty-five million trees by 2033. Learn about how DEC is supporting this effort.
DEC’s annual spring seedling sale, which is now open to the public and runs until May 10. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve New York’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests. Be sure to check on the availability of certain species as many have already sold out!
DEC’s annual Trees for Tribs program—a statewide program that has been working to reforest New York's tributaries - small creeks and streams that flow into larger rivers and lakes - by planting trees and shrubs along these waterways. The program's goal is to create or improve riparian (streamside) buffers that decrease erosion, reduce flooding damage, improve wildlife, and stream habitat, and protect water quality.

You can help our state’s tree population to grow and prosper. DEC provides information on how to properly plant a tree with helpful tips:

Make sure you plant on your own land and that planting will not interfere with utilities. Visit UDIG NY for more information.
Prepare ahead of time and get all necessary tools, such as gloves, shovel, water and more ready before you start digging.
Know the difference in handling bare root versus potted seedlings.
Learn how to properly plant a tree—not too deep and not too shallow.
Practice general maintenance, water, and mowing appropriately.
Recognize invasive species and forest health concerns.

Read detailed information in the full “Planting and Caring for Your Seedlings” Publication (PDF).

The DEC website includes a wide-range of information about trees, sample topics include: the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery, How to Plant and Care for a Tree, and Ways to Celebrate Arbor Day.

Image of a tree in the center with various pine trees in the background all covered in snow — 2024 Arbor Day poster with Courtney Bradt's winning photography taken at Lapland Lake near Northville, NY.

Did you know that?

First celebrated in 1872, Arbor Day was established as a way to encourage farmers and homesteaders to plant trees that would provide shade, shelter, food, fuel, and beauty to open areas. In New York, Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated the last Friday in April.
Studies show that trees improve air and water quality, reduce flooding, reduce cooling, and heating energy needs, increase property values, and improve the quality of life for people and wildlife around them.
The New York ReLeaf Program is made up of regional committees and overseen by DEC in partnership with the NYS Urban Forestry Council, a not-for-profit advisory group. The program promotes the value of trees, proper tree care, and sound urban forest management practices by connecting communities to technical expertise, information and resources, training, and potential funding sources that will help them meet their local needs and maintain and improve their urban forests. We encourage anyone who cares about the trees in their neighborhoods to get involved:
- Contact your city, town, or village to join their Arbor Day celebration - or encourage them to start one!
- Does your town have a tree board? consider joining it!
- Work with your local school district to include trees in schools
  - Project Learning Tree
  - Arbor Day Foundation Tree Campus K-12 Program
- Join the NYS Urban Forestry Council

Be a Friend of the Environment:

It is a celebration—Earth Day is April 22. But make everyday Earth Day by living sustainably. DEC provides 50 Earth Day Tips to help you keep Living the Green Life.

Grab a glass—of New York's tap water and say cheers because Water Week is April 7-13. While this week celebrates the importance of water in our daily lives, let us work to keep our water clean. Doing so will preserve our quality of life while supporting habitat for a wide variety of plants and animals. One way to keep our waters clean is to properly dispose of unused prescription medicines. DEC provides additional information regarding safe medication disposal for households.

Air Quality Awareness Week (AQAW)—is coming up next month from May 6-10. The goal of this week is to promote learning and knowledge so we can move forward to take actions in our daily lives to promote air quality. One step which you can take is to follow DEC's burn ban which is in effect from March 16 through May 14. Also remember burning trash is illegal statewide in all cases. Following the burn ban and trash burning law are important steps which can be taken to promote clean air for all. Also note, World Asthma Day is on Tuesday, May 7— as warmer weather approaches—keep an eye out for Air Quality Index Alerts.

Prepare to compost—as International Compost Awareness Week (ICAW) is coming up May 5-11. The week recognizes the importance of composting residentially and commercially. This year's theme is "COMPOST...Nature's Climate Champion!” Learn more about NYS Compost Awareness Week and find an event near you. Read more about home composting.

Pitch a tent—start planning your New York camping adventures for 2024. Many campgrounds open in May. Check out the 2024 Campground and Day Use Area Schedule. Now is the perfect time to inventory your gear. Before buying new gear, see if you can borrow from a friend or family member or consider used items which are still in good working condition. DEC provides environmentally-friendly camping tips.