Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District

The District's newsletter is now available. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please contact us.

What are stream buffers, and what’s so great about them? Stream/riparian buffers are vegetated areas on either side of a stream or river, and their benefits to ...water, wildlife, and us are huge. Here are just a few ways native waterside plants, trees, and shrubs help all living things: They help prevent pollutants from entering waterways They absorb rain during storms, which slows flooding Their roots hold soil in place, which prevents erosion They provide wildlife habitat both on land and in the water They provide shade, which cools water temperatures and protects our native fish ICYMI, DEC is offering free trees and shrubs for streamside property owners and land managers to create or improve their very own stream buffers through our Buffer in a Bag program! Learn more: https://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/115903.html #ForestFriday

It's #WorldWetlandsDay! Did you know, New York is home to 75 distinct different types of wetlands? Wetlands are diverse and can be found from the highest elevat...ions on the slopes of the High Peaks in the Adirondacks (Alpine sliding fen) all the way to coastal areas on Long Island (low salt marsh). All wetlands benefit New Yorkers by providing: valuable habitat for wildlife, the holding and storing of flood waters, pollution treatment and erosion control, and areas for outdoor recreation opportunities, from hunting and fishing to hiking and bird watching. Wetlands need protection from a variety of impacts in urban and rural areas alike. Learn more about New York's wetlands programs here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/305.html. Photos courtesy of NYSDEC Natural Heritage Program

The 2021 Tree and Shrub Order Form is now available.

Did you know you can help protect NY’s forests while you hike, snowshoe, or x-country ski this winter? It’s easyall you have to do is keep an eye out for invas...ive hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA)! This forest pest kills hemlock trees in the eastern United States. HWA is tiny, so infestations are best identified by the white, woolly masses the insects create at the base of the needles on infested hemlock trees. You can report findings using the NY iMapInvasives app or by emailing photos and location info to DEC at [email protected]. Love exploring the Western ADK/St. Lawrence region? Our friends at SLELO Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management are offering prizes for those who look for HWA in that area. Learn more at https://on.ny.gov/3nMxYHd. #ForestFriday