Can You Help New York Get To 25 Million Trees By 2023?

A new initiative launched by the New York State Governor's Office has a hefty goal for Empire State residents over the next eight years - 25 million trees by 2023.

Governor Kathy Hochul wants New Yorkers to

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25 Million Tree Goal in New York: A Statewide Effort

A new website and interactive tracking tool that will help document tree planting progress across New York State has officially been launched, and everyone (including state agencies, organizations, private entities and individuals) can get in on the action by reporting the location and number of trees planted.

In addition to location and the number of trees planted, those entering tracking information can get into the weeds (if you will) by including the specific planting date, the tree species and tree size. The form also asks for some general demographic information.

Curious New Yorkers will be able to follow along at home on an interactive map of planting projects across New York, tallying trees by region, county and municipality, and of course the total trek towards 25 million.

By The Numbers

Any trees planted (and then of course recorded) in 2024 will count towards the 25 million trees goal by 2033.

In an effort to help slow climate change, and protect communities and natural resources across the state, the emphasis on the 25 Million Tree goal is supported by the DEC in the following ways:

To achieve New York’s 25 Million Trees by 2033 goal, the DEC is supporting the initiative in the following ways:

• Providing new and continued funding opportunities for public and private landowners to plant new forests and increase tree canopy in urban communities;

• Expanding New York State tree seedling production and nursery capacity;

• Engaging the next generation of environmental stewards through education and outreach; and

• Compiling an accurate record of trees planted across New York State

To learn more about the 25 Million Trees Initiative, and what kinds of opportunities, and even funding, it provides, view Governor Hochul's press release here.