The public is invited to volunteer at the City of Oneonta’s Trees for Tributaries tree planting event to be held at the upper end of Wilber Park on Graduate Avenue on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at 10:00 am. The City is holding the event in conjunction with the Department of Environmental Conservation`s “Trees for Tributaries” initiative. The event itself will consist of planting approximately 80 seedlings of various species including Sycamore, Birch, Elderberry, and Dogwood. All necessary tools will be supplied.

“Since 2007, New York State's Trees for Tribs Program has been working to reforest New York's tributaries, or small creeks and streams, which flow into and feed larger rivers and lakes. The goal of the program is to plant young trees and shrubs along stream corridors, also known as riparian areas, in order to prevent erosion, increase flood water retention, improve wildlife and stream habitat, as well as protect water quality,” New York Department of Environmental Conversation says. “Trees for Tribs has engaged more than 8,751 volunteers in planting more than 101,416 trees and shrubs at 614 sites across New York State.”

The City of Oneonta commits more than $35,000 every year to improve the City’s urban tree canopy. In exchange, City trees yield 3-5 times their cost in overall benefits by increasing property values, reducing energy consumption and, combined with green spaces, building stronger connections to neighbors and the community.

The tree planting event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Ryan Mathews, City of Oneonta Engineering Department, at 607-432-6465.

For more information about the Trees for Tribs Program please visit
https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/77710.html

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