News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

For more information contact: Yancey Roy, 518-402-8000

Media Advisory

ALBANY, NY (10/04/2007; 1402)(readMedia)-- Volunteers will plant nearly 2,000 trees and shrubs at 11 different sites throughout the Hudson River Estuary Watershed to participate in the inaugural “Trees for Tribs” Initiative this fall (see schedule at bottom).

The program conducted by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Hudson River Estuary program involves watershed organizations, land trusts, environmental organizations, municipalities, neighborhood associations, schools, soil and water conservation districts, private residents, and a local farm. Volunteers will be planting native trees and shrubs along more than 6,000 ft. of streams and rivers in the Hudson Valley.

Riparian (streamside) buffers are an important aspect of maintaining healthy streams and protecting water quality. These buffers, composed of trees, shrubs, and grasses, help to reduce pollution entering waterways by slowing down and filtering stormwater runoff. Buffers also help to reduce flooding and erosion by stabilizing streambanks and absorbing high velocity flows. In addition, they serve an important role for wildlife as a shoreline transition zone and travel corridor, not to mention increasing overall biodiversity.

The attached list highlights 6 of the larger planting projects scheduled for this fall. Additional information including contact information on volunteering, other planting projects, and applying to the “Trees for Tribs” program is available from: Kevin Grieser, Hudson River Estuary Program’s Riparian Buffer Coordinator - 845-256-3145 kagriese@gw.dec.state.ny.us.

Attachments

Trees for Tribs Participants
Trees_for_Tribs_Participants.doc