Suffolk To Give Away 2,500 Tree Seedlings As Part Of ‘Plant It Forward’ Initiative

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine is calling on residents to plant trees and leave a lasting mark on the region’s future as part of a new countywide initiative tied to America’s 250th anniversary.

Romaine, joined by Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo, announced the launch of the “Planting It Forward to 2276 Program,” a key component of the Suffolk 250 initiative. The program will officially begin on Arbor Day, April 24.

The effort encourages residents to plant trees across Suffolk County and document them through a new Living Legacy Tree Registry, which will be preserved in county archives for future generations.

“Suffolk 250 is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only learn about our storied past, but to leave a legacy for future Suffolk County residents,” Romaine said. “Planting It Forward is a unique way to celebrate the semiquincentennial as we will connect future generations through public documentation and additional green initiatives. I encourage all our residents to participate in this program beginning on Arbor Day.”

County officials said the registry will serve as a permanent historical record, allowing future residents to see how communities contributed to the nation’s 250th anniversary.

“As Suffolk County Clerk, it is our responsibility to safeguard the records that define our community,” Puleo said. “I am proud to preserve this initiative as part of our historical record. Each registered tree will not only contribute to a greener Suffolk County today but will also be documented and maintained in our archives in perpetuity, allowing future generations to see the impact of this moment.”

From April 24 through July 4, residents can plant trees or seedlings anywhere in Suffolk County and register their locations — including coordinates — through the official Suffolk 250 website. Each entry will receive a Suffolk 250 Living Legacy Certificate of Registration.

To support the initiative, Suffolk County will also distribute 2,500 free Red Oak tree seedlings to residents. The giveaway will take place at county parks from April 24 through April 30, or until supplies run out.

Seedlings will be available during normal business hours at multiple locations across the county, including parks in Bay Shore, Smithtown, Hampton Bays, Brookhaven, West Sayville, Huntington, Lake Ronkonkoma, Oakdale, West Babylon and Riverhead.

The “Planting It Forward” program is part of Suffolk County’s broader America 250 campaign, launched in August 2025, which includes events and initiatives designed to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Seedling Pickup Locations:

• Gardiner County Park, Montauk Highway, Bay Shore
• Blydenburgh County Park, Veterans Memorial Highway, Smithtown
• Sears Bellows County Park, 63 Bellows Pond Road, Hampton Bays
• Southaven County Park, 761 Victory Avenue, Brookhaven
• West Sayville County Park, 200 Montauk Highway, West Sayville
• West Hills County Park, Sweet Hollow Road, Huntington
• Lake Ronkonkoma County Park, 600 Lake Shore Road, Lake Ronkonkoma
• Timber Point County Park, Great River Road, Oakdale
• Bergen Point County Park, Bergen Avenue, West Babylon
• Indian Island County Park, Cross River Drive (Route 105), Riverhead