DEC’S Saratoga Tree Nursery Starts Annual Tree, Seedling Sale Program - Landowners Can Take Advantage of Low-Cost Native Plants; Available to Schools for Free

SARATOGA SPRINGS - More than 40 species of trees and shrubs are now available to all landowners and schools at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery, DEC Commissioner Joe Martens announced earlier this week. “The annual sale of trees and shrubs from our Saratoga Tree Nursery can provide homeowners and municipalities with enormous environmental benefits,” Commissioner Martens said. “In addition to the aesthetic beauty they add to local landscapes, planting trees and shrubs also improves air quality, provides wildlife with additional habitat, helps prevent soil erosion and supplies shade in the hot summer months.” Public and Private Landowners The program provides low-cost, native planting materials from New York sources to encourage landowners to enhance the state’s environment for future generations. The Saratoga Tree Nursery also offers a few non-native species which can enhance wildlife plantings and assist with stream bank stabilization. For instance, toringo crabapple provides a winter food source for wild turkey, grouse and deer while streamco willow is used in many stabilization projects. The 2014 Tree and Shrub brochure can be found on the DEC’s website. Seedlings are shipped from mid-April to mid-May. Schools Schools across New York are eligible to receive free seedlings for spring planting through the DEC School Seedling Program which provides 50 tree seedlings or a mixed packet of 30 wildlife shrubs to any public or private school that would like to participate. 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 tree planting. To participate in DEC’s School Seedling Program, schools can download an application from the website or contact the Saratoga Tree Nursery at 518-581-1439 and request a “School Seedlings” brochure. Applications must be received at the nursery by March 31, 2014. The Nursery in Saratoga Springs was created in 1911. More than 1.6 billion seedlings have been produced to enhance and protect the New York’s environment. To order seedlings by phone, contact the nursery on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 518-587-1120. Mail orders are also accepted and can be sent to the NYSDEC 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.