NYS Department of Environmental Conservation
Start the New Year off by planning for spring planting! DEC’s Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery has dozens of New York-grown tree and shrub species available for low prices now through May 12. Some species sell out fast so check species availability and see how to get your order at the DEC website.
Youth organizations, schools, and homeschool groups: Apply now for a package of free seedlings through the 2023 School Seeding Program. Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until the program closes on March 31 or seedling stock runs out, whichever comes first.
Planting and caring for tree seedlings can help young people learn about ecosystems and the valuable role trees play. Schools and youth organizations are eligible to receive free trees or shrubs by participating in this educational program. Participants receive seedlings from the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery along with guidance on how to plant and care for them.
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.
Eligible Organizations
Organizations that may apply include:
- All schools located within New York State - public, private, nursery, 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 homeschool
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 31st. Please make sure you have permission to plant in your chosen location before applying. Complete the application and apply either online or by mail. Limit of one application per school or organization.
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
Currently we have seedlings for:
Annual Spring Seedlings Sale: available for public and private plantings in New York State and bordering states.
School Seedlings Sale: available for educators and youth club leaders. Eligible classes and clubs are encouraged to apply before March 31 and will receive free tree seedlings to plant in April/May.
View the
2023 Trees and Shrubs Brochure (PDF) for a list of this year's available species, their size, and their cost, as well as ordering information that is also found on this webpage.
Note: The PDF does not include updates as the species are sold out. Visit the
Nursery Stock Availability webpage for updates on what species have sold out, though we recommend ordering by phone so that operators can provide you with the most up-to-date availability information.
Before ordering, view the
Nursery Catalog (PDF) for species descriptions and preferred site conditions, and consider specific space requirements for each type of tree.
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