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Trees play a key role in the health of a community. That’s because trees clean the air, cool overheated cities, and can even slow storm surges. A wide tree canopy is good for people and the planet, stressed the Arbor Day Foundation. And that’s why New York has embarked on an ambitious plan to plant 25 million trees by 2033.
New Yorkers across the state are being asked to contribute by planting trees, according to a press release from NY governor Kathy Hochul. She announced the launch of a tree tracker that will allow citizens and government agencies to report trees that are planted during the initiative. Any tree planted since January 2024 counts towards the total.
“New York is taking decisive action to protect our environment and strengthen communities’ ability to withstand severe weather,” Hochul said in the press release. “Our progress toward the 25 million tree goal is a testament to the power of community-driven action, and the new Tree Tracker will make it easier for New Yorkers to track our progress, share updates. and contribute to a healthier environment for the future.”
Tracking Trees
The new initiative is hosted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and was developed by the Office of Information Technology Services to record details that include where the trees are planted, the date, how many trees were planted, and species of the trees on an interactive map, reported News 10. The trees that are planted will be tallied by region, county, as well as municipality.
The website also contains useful information on how to plant and take care of trees as well as technical information.
“Every tree planted is a step toward a healthier, greener New York. The Tree Tracker will empower New Yorkers to share their stories with us as our partners in this historic effort, which will have a lasting impact on the environment,” the DEC interim commissioner Sean Mahar said in the press release.
Helping Combat Climate Change
The 25 million tree initiative will help combat climate change by helping the state to meet its carbon reduction climate goals, help protect clean drinking water, and to restore wildlife habitats. But one of the most important benefits is that increasing the tree canopy can help cool cities and reduce the risks of extreme heatwaves.
Participating is easy and includes grants for private landowners, nonprofits, municipalities, and state agencies. If you want to do your part, a way to get healthy trees to plant is to purchase them from the DEC. The annual sale began in January 2025 and runs through May 14, 2025. Located at the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery, NY grown tree and shrub seedlings are sold at an exceptionally low cost.
Planting trees is a good way to help your community and the planet. So, if you live in NY, you can do your part and plant a tree.
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