School Seedling Program

Meeting Next Generation Science Standards

Provide young people with a hands-on way to understand natural systems, observe their environment, and learn key vocabulary.

• When students plant tree seedlings they can discover the structure and function of trees while building their awareness about conservation.
• As the trees mature, they can serve as an ongoing living laboratory for young people to learn from. The experience can help students make informed decisions about the conservation and use of natural resources.
• Trees planted by the School Seedling Program count towards New York State’s goal of planting 25 million trees by 2033.

Eligible Organizations

Organizations that may apply include:

• All schools located within New York State - public, private, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university
• Any youth education-based organization (including scout groups)
• Homeschool groups, co-op, or other homeschool association, but not individual family homeschools

Limit of one application per school, homeschool group, or youth organization.

Planting can be related to a wide variety of scholastic programs - it is not confined to any given subject, purpose, or age level. We encourage planting on-site so students can be responsible for the care and protection of the seedlings.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by March 28. Please make sure you have permission to plant in your chosen location before applying. You can apply either online or by mail. Limit of one application per school or organization.

• How to apply online: Fill out and submit the online application
• How to apply by mail: Print, fill out and submit a paper application (PDF). You may also request a paper application be mailed to you by contacting the nursery at 518-581-1439.
  • Paper applications must be mailed to: DEC Tree Nursery, 2369 Route 50, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

Seedling Packet Information

If you have questions about what species might be right for your site, contact your Regional DEC Forestry Office. A forester will be available to advise you on the appropriate species of trees to choose and proper planting technique.

• 25 jack pine (Pinus banksiana) seedlings: Native, short-needled evergreen. Tolerates sandy or clay soils but grows best in loamy (even mix of sand, silt, and clay) soils. Prefers full to partial sun and can reach up to 70 feet at maturity. Each seedling needs about 6 feet of growing space.
• 25 red oak (Quercus rubra) seedlings: Native hardwood. Grows best in well-drained soils and prefers full sun. Also grows well in upland sites. Reaches 60-80 feet at maturity. Each seedling needs about 10 feet of growing space.
• 25 river birch (Betula nigra) seedlings: Native hardwood. Adaptable to clay soils and wetter areas, so it is great for streamside plantings. Reaches 40-70 feet at maturity. Each seedling needs about 10 feet of growing space.
• 25 speckled alder (Alnus incana) seedlings: Native, shrub-like hardwood.Thrives in wetter areas such as swamps, stream banks and lake shores, but can survive in upland areas with adequate moisture. Tolerates a wide variety of soil types. Can reach 25 feet at maturity. Each seedling needs about 10 feet of growing space.

Seedling Shipment

The seedlings are 2 to 3 years old, about 4"-12" tall, and bare-root. They are light enough for young children to carry and plant. Shipment is by FedEx on May 5, May 6, May 7, May 12, May 13, or May 14 only. Select a shipping date at least 3 days prior to the planting date.

Planting Instructions

Seedlings are perishable. Keep in a cool, shaded place until planting. Do not let the roots dry out.

TOOLS REQUIRED: Shovel and bucket

1. Place seedlings in a bucket and fill with water until all roots are covered.
2. Remove all vegetation for at least one foot around the planting spot for each seedling to reduce competition with other plants.
3. Dig a hole deep and wide enough to contain the tree's roots.
4. Place the roots of the seedling in the hole and carefully spread them out. The root collar (where roots join the stem) should be at the ground's surface. The seedling should stand straight.
5. Fill the hole with soil and gently compact to remove air pockets that could dry out the roots and kill the seedling. Reposition the seedling as necessary to keep it straight and to prevent the root collar from being buried.
6. Water the seedling slowly and thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. If rainfall is not adequate, water weekly for the first year after planting.
7. Mark the seedlings with a stake or flagging so they won't be cut off by a mower or stepped on.
8. Fertilizer is not recommended at planting time. It can be applied two or three years after planting when the root system has developed.

Resources for Educators

The School Seedling program can easily be paired with a curriculum of your choice, check out some of our recommended curriculums:

• Project Learning Tree Curriculum, Plant a Tree STEM Activities
• Make Every Day Arbor Day, Tree Planting Activities
• DEC Environmental Education Lesson Plans

Support the School Seedling Program

You can support the School Seedling Program through a donation to the Natural Heritage Trust's Tree Fund by clicking the "Donate to Help Plant Trees" button on the right. Just $20 can support 40 bare-root trees and shrubs that will be given to school programs across the state to teach young people about the natural world.