SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale has opened to the public and is scheduled to run through May 12. Each year, the state Department of Environmental Conservation said, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve the state’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests.

Trees, the DEC said, provides a variety of benefits:

• Absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them a powerful tool in the fight against climate change;
• Helping to lower heating and cooling costs;
• Providing food and shelter for wildlife;
• Improving water quality by filtering runoff;
• Preventing erosion; and
• Increasing our overall health and well-being.

DEC’s tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings that are well-suited to our state’s climate. They are available in bundles of 25 or more, plus there are several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety.

For more information including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage at https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9395.html. The DEC recommends residents place orders by phone, at (518) 587-1120, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the most up-to-date availability information.

Youth education

Applications are being accepted for the nursery’s School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students.

All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university), homeschool groups, and any youth education-based organization may apply, provided trees are planted within New York State.

Visit DEC’s website for more information and to apply online. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or 518-581-1439.