The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is kicking off the spring planting season by encouraging New Yorkers to dig in and help grow the state’s green future. In the lead-up to Arbor Day on April 25, the DEC is urging individuals, schools, community groups, and local governments to plant trees and contribute to the state’s ambitious “25 Million Trees by 2033” initiative.
The program, launched by Governor Kathy Hochul, aims to bolster climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and expand access to green spaces statewide. Trees planted in April and May and recorded in the newly introduced Tree Tracker will count toward the statewide goal and make participants eligible for prize drawings and a chance to be featured in the 2026 Arbor Day poster contest.
“Whether through large-scale community events or individual plantings, every tree we plant accelerates New York’s efforts to expand green spaces, benefitting our climate, biodiversity, and quality of life,” said DEC Acting Commissioner Amanda Lefton.
To support local efforts, DEC released a “25 Million Trees Toolkit,” offering promotional materials, social media graphics, planting guides, and event planning resources. Organizers can also request free “Tree Tracker Tags” with QR codes to help participants register their trees online. Those tags, as well as a downloadable version, are available via the DEC website.
Participants can track and showcase their tree plantings using the Tree Tracker at on.ny.gov/25milliontrees. All submissions entered during April and May will automatically be entered into a prize sweepstakes, with details to be announced on Arbor Day.
To help with sourcing, trees and shrubs can be purchased from local nurseries, county Soil and Water Conservation Districts, or through the DEC’s Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery’s annual seedling sale, which runs through May 14.
The tree-planting campaign also complements the Governor’s “Get Offline, Get Outside” initiative, which promotes outdoor recreation and unplugged time in nature to support physical and mental well-being.
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