NY Plants the Seeds of the Future: DEC and Volunteers Create First-Ever Mini Forest at Five Rivers

Go Explore NY
Jun 10
2 min read

Albany County, NY – June 7, 2025 — In a massive step toward reforesting New York and combating climate change, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) joined forces with nearly 100 volunteers to plant over 500 native trees and shrubs in just one day. The location? The Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, now home to DEC’s first-ever mini forest, also known as a pocket forest or Miyawaki forest.

This hands-on, community-driven effort is part of Governor Kathy Hochul’s ambitious 25 Million Trees Initiative, a statewide campaign to enhance green spaces, improve public health, and address the climate crisis.

A Forest That Grows 10x Faster

The newly planted mini forest is no ordinary grove. Using the Miyawaki method, named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, more than 40 native tree and shrub species were planted densely within a compact area. This tight clustering encourages rapid growth as the plants compete for sunlight and nutrients—allowing the forest to mature up to 10 times faster than traditional methods.

Not only do these forests grow fast, but they also act as carbon sponges, quickly removing climate-warming greenhouse gases from the atmosphere while providing new habitat for birds, pollinators, and other wildlife.

“DEC is working hard to bring the benefits of planting trees to all New Yorkers through community-driven events and initiatives that engage and educate,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “I thank all the community and DEC volunteers who braved the weather to join us... I look forward to seeing this forest grow and thrive.”

A Green Future for All

The planting at Five Rivers is just the beginning. This demonstration project will guide future pocket forest efforts across the state, as New York pushes to make urban and suburban spaces greener, more resilient, and more climate-ready.

The 25 Million Trees Initiative invites every New Yorker—schools, families, businesses, and municipalities—to participate. DEC’s website offers helpful tools, including a Tree Tracker so participants can log their plantings and be part of the statewide effort.

Want to Help? It’s as Easy as Planting a Tree 🌱

Whether you’re in a city, town, or rural community, you can help reach the 25 million trees goal by 2033. Visit the DEC's 25 Million Trees page to find local events, planting guides, and ways to contribute.

Let’s grow a greener New York—one tree at a time. 🌳

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