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DEC’s Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale is Now Open

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4 years ago

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The Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery annual spring seedling sale is open to the public and runs until May 12. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve the state’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests.

Trees provide a variety of benefits:

  • Absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making them a powerful tool in the fight against climate change;
  • Helping to lower heating and cooling costs;
  • Providing food and shelter for wildlife;
    Improving water quality by filtering runoff;
  • Preventing erosion;
  • Supplying a variety of wood products that support local economies; and
  • Increasing our overall health and well-being.

DEC’s tree nursery grows more than 50 conifer and hardwood species from local seed sources, creating seedlings that are well-suited to our state’s climate. They are available in bundles of 25 or more, plus there are several mixed species packets for those looking for a variety. Seedlings are a minimum of five inches tall and are one to three years old depending on the species. For more information including how to order, visit the Spring Seedling Sale webpage on DEC’s website. Some species sell out early, so it is recommended to place orders by phone for the most up-to-date availability information.

Free Seedlings Available for Youth Education Through the School Seedling Program
Applications are now being accepted for the nursery’s School Seedling Program. From now until March 31, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students.

All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university), homeschool groups, and any youth education-based organization may apply, provided trees are planted within New York State. Individual homeschools must apply through a homeschool group, co-op, or other association. Seedlings are two to three years old, about four to 12 inches tall, and bare-root. There are three packets available – 50 white spruce, 25 red oak, or 30 mixed shrub species good for wildlife habitat – and each school or organization may only receive one packet per year. Visit DEC’s website for more information and to apply online. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or 518-581-1439.

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Events

Rockland County Free Fall Festival Returns to West Nyack Oct. 18

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1 day ago

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October 14, 2026

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The Historical Society of Rockland County will host its 13th Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 18, bringing a day of family activities, live entertainment, historic demonstrations and Revolutionary War reenactments to West Nyack.

Presented in partnership with Heritage of West Nyack and the Town of Clarkstown, the free festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at 131 Germonds Road, adjacent to Germonds Park.

The event will offer visitors an opportunity to experience local history, explore traditional crafts and enjoy seasonal activities for all ages.

Revolutionary War History Comes to Life

One of the festival’s featured attractions will be an encampment by Heard’s Brigade of the New Jersey Militia, offering a look at military life during the American Revolutionary War.

Visitors can explore 18th-century tents and watch demonstrations of open-fire cooking, militia drills and musket firing. Revolutionary War skirmish reenactments are scheduled for 1:15 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

The festival will also feature tours of the historic Onderdonk-Tallman-Budke and Vanderbilt-Budke-Traphagen houses, along with a presentation by Clare Sheridan titled “Who Was Naut Kanniff? The Story of the Witch of West Nyack.”

Traditional craft demonstrations will include lacemaking by Mayra Petretti of the Metropolitan Chapter of the International Organization of Lace, Inc., as well as wool and flax spinning demonstrations by Celeste Sherry.

Family Activities and Fall Fun

Families can enjoy a variety of seasonal activities throughout the afternoon, including horse-drawn wagon rides scheduled from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The Horses R Us 4-H Club will offer pumpkin picking, decorating and painting, while Fred DePaul will present sheep-shearing demonstrations at 12:15 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Children can also take part in colonial-era games presented by Tom Hunt of Waterside Forge. Balloony Toony Entertainment will provide balloon animals, face painting and glitter tattoos.

Additional attractions will include free mini-golf, raffles, craft vendors and demonstrations. A pen-turning workshop hosted by the Hudson Valley Wood Turners will be available for participants ages 12 and older. Reservations are recommended, and interested participants can contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment

Music will be part of the afternoon’s festivities, with balladeer Thaddeus MacGregor performing alongside Wee Jim the Limberjack. Additional musical entertainment will feature Scott Staton, Keith Olsen and Pat Keating.

Organizers invite residents and visitors to enjoy an afternoon celebrating Rockland County’s history, heritage and fall traditions.

Event Information

  • What: 13th Annual Fall Festival
  • When: Sunday, October 18, 2026, noon to 4 p.m.
  • Where: Historical Society of Rockland County, 131 Germonds Road, West Nyack, adjacent to Germonds Park
  • Admission: Free
  • Workshop reservations: Contact Len Stambler at Lstambler@gmail.com for the pen-turning workshop.

With Revolutionary War reenactments, historic house tours, traditional crafts, live music and family-friendly fall activities, the festival will offer visitors a chance to experience local history while celebrating the season.

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Events

Spirit of Sobro Returns October 2 for 5th Annual Celebration

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2 weeks ago

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September 30, 2026

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Celebrating its fifth year, this popular community event is getting bigger, with the festivities expanding to a second block this year.

The event will stretch from Depew to the gas station, creating additional space for vendors and entertainment. Organizers say 45 vendors are expected, along with street performers, circus sideshows, live music, a DJ, drumming and more throughout the event.

One tradition will remain in place: the Tarot salon inside Modern Druid, which will be open throughout the evening.

Organizers are encouraging the community to come out, support local vendors and performers, and help make this year’s celebration the biggest and most fun yet.

Bring your friends, spread the word and come enjoy an evening of music, entertainment, shopping and community.

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