In a single day of coordinated effort, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and nearly 100 volunteers planted more than 500 native trees and shrubs to create the agency’s first-ever “mini forest” at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center in Albany County.
The planting, held on June 7, marks a milestone in Governor Kathy Hochul’s 25 Million Trees Initiative and serves as a demonstration project for future afforestation efforts across the state.
“DEC is working hard to bring the benefits of planting trees to all New Yorkers through community-driven events and initiatives that engage and educate,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “I look forward to seeing this forest grow and thrive in the coming years.”
The planting used the Miyawaki technique, an innovative method that promotes rapid forest development by tightly clustering more than 40 native species together. The dense arrangement encourages trees to grow up to 10 times faster than in traditional reforestation efforts and enhances carbon sequestration.
The Five Rivers mini forest project supports broader state goals to expand forest cover, combat climate change, and enhance community resilience. Each tree planted and recorded in DEC’s online Tree Tracker contributes to the 25 million tree goal set for 2033.
More information about getting involved with the initiative can be found at on.ny.gov/25milliontrees.
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