To help reach Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal of planting 25 million trees in New York by 2033, the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation announced its Buffer in a Bag program to provide free seedlings to be planted near bodies of water.

“Planting along streams creates woodland buffers that are critically important for keeping soil in place, slowing floodwaters, intercepting pollution, and providing food and shelter for wildlife,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos in a release, announcing applications are now being accepted.

Qualifying private and public landowners may apply for a free bag of 25 tree and shrub seedlings for planting near streams, rivers, or lakes to help stabilize banks, protect water quality, combat climate change, and improve wildlife habitat.

To qualify, landowners must have property in New York state with at least 50 feet bordering a stream, river, or lake. Previous recipients are encouraged to reapply to continue to build riparian buffers.

Applicants are eligible for one bag of 25 seedlings and recipients are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis. A total of 250 bags will be available statewide during this round of applications. 

The application period closes at 3 p.m. on April 17 or when supply runs out, whichever comes first. Visit DEC’s website for more information about the Buffer in a Bag application process and requirements.

Landowners in the Hudson River Estuary watershed may be eligible for additional free trees and planting assistance through the Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs Program. The next application due date for the Hudson River Estuary program is Aug. 1. Visit DEC’s website for more information.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer