DEC forester Theresa Draves, left, helps volunteers install a tree tube to protect newly planted trees in North Harmony State Forest. Submitted photo

Community Science and tree planting are on a new mission to engage communities with nature while recording and sharing critical natural changes, thanks to a new tool called “Chronolog.”

Chronolog is a monitoring tool for parks, nature centers, wildlife organizations, schools, and museums worldwide. Currently, internationally, there are more than 100,000 contributors across 300 organizations tracking improvements and work efforts.

In May 2025, the North Harmony State Forest in Chautauqua County saw significant improvements as part of the Chronolog Project. This was made possible by the invaluable contribution of volunteers from Cummins Engine Company, who not only planted trees but also installed signage, designating the site as part of Chronolog. Their participation during “I Love My Park Day,” a statewide initiative to enhance New York’s public lands, was confirmation of their commitment to the community and the environment.

As a result, everyone can help track the renewed forest growth at North Harmony State Forest. Visitors to the site can take a photo of the planting site and upload it to Chronolog using the QR code there or the email address on the sign. The uploaded image will be publicly available on the Chronolog website, where it will become part of a record showing the new tree planting growth and progress of the forest.

The planting site, once covered with red pine trees because of reforestation efforts in 1947, has now been transformed. The health of the aging red pine trees had declined in recent years, leading to a harvest in 2023 to make way for a renewed, healthier forest.

During the volunteer day, the Cummins Engine Company group planted 10 red oak trees and five white pine trees at the state forest site, adding diversity to the existing forest species. These new trees will not only provide a food source for wildlife through their seeds and cones but also contribute to a more vibrant and resilient ecosystem.

Over the past four months, the red oak and white pine trees have been growing well, and native shrubs and ferns have also flourished at the site. With other tree species expected to grow naturally from nearby forests, the North Harmony State Forest site is on its way to becoming a diverse and thriving young forest, providing habitat for a variety of wildlife, including ruffed grouse.

Furthermore, the DEC has recently teamed up with The Nature Conservancy to produce a guide that empowers landowners to establish new forests on their private property. Titled “Reforestation and Afforestation Guidance in New York State” (PDF), this comprehensive guide, available online, focuses on reforestation and afforestation practices. It provides step-by-step instructions on planning a reforestation project, planting trees, monitoring and maintaining the new forest, and other related tasks. By making this guide accessible, the DEC and The Nature Conservancy aim to equip landowners with the knowledge and tools they need to contribute to the reforestation efforts in New York State.

See FISHER, Page B3

According to DEC officials, establishing new forests is one way to mitigate the effects of climate change. Trees take in and store carbon, reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and slow climate change. They can also help communities withstand some of the climate change impacts by providing shade to mitigate extreme heat in summer.

Forests bring a range of other benefits as well, such as improving physical and mental health, creating habitat for wildlife, offering recreation opportunities, and providing forest products. Contact reforestny@tnc.org for more information. More guidance on planting trees can be found on DEC’s website: https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/how-to-plant-a-tree.

Gotta love the outdoors.

Outdoors Calendar

Sept. 27: NYS Hunter Education, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Carroll Rod & Gun Club, 1111 Frew Run Rd., Frewsburg, NY.; Visit: https://dec.ny.gov.

Sept. 27: NYS Free Fishing Day, no license needed to fish in NYS for residents and non-residents.

Sept. 27: National Fishing and Hunting Day at ELMA CONSERVATION, free, open to public.

Sept. 27-28: NYS Western Zone waterfowl hunting youth days for 12-15 yrs of age, mentors rqd., see syllabus.

Oct. 1: NYS Southern Zone Big Game early archery/crossbow hunting season opens, through Nov. 14.

Oct. 1: NYS Southern Zone hunting season opens for coyote, cottontail rabbits, varying hare, ruffed grouse, bobwhite quail. See syllabus for various species’ season ends.