The Colorado State Forest Service is accepting orders on a first-come, first-serve basis for low-cost seedling trees, shrubs and perennials grown at its Fort Collins nursery. More than 100 species and size options are available; seedlings ordered now will be distributed statewide next spring.
Coloradans interested in conservation goals, including creating natural windbreaks, improving wildlife habitat or reforesting properties impacted by wildfire or floods are eligible to purchase the seedlings. CSFS Nursery Manager Josh Stolz said Colorado-grown species are adaptable and ideal for a variety of conservation uses, and that the nursery’s selection has increased over the years.
This program is designed to encourage Colorado landowners to plant seedling trees and shrubs for conservation purposes. Through a cooperative effort with Colorado State University Extension offices and county conservation districts throughout the state, approximately 5,000 Coloradans obtain CSFS seedling trees each year.
Conservation seedlings have many uses and benefits, including:
- Wind and snow control to protect roadways and livestock
- Enhanced wildlife habitat and forage
- Reforestation and reclamation
- Increased property values
- Energy conservation through reduced utility bills
- Carbon sequestration
- Reduced soil erosion
- Creating habitat for honeybees and other pollinators.
The CSFS does not have a minimum acreage requirement for landowners to purchase seedling trees for conservation, reclamation and reforestation goals. For more information, contact a local CSFS district office, or call the nursery at (970) 491-8429.
The Colorado State Forest Service provides technical forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise and outreach and education to help landowners and communities achieve their forest management goals. The CSFS is a service and outreach agency of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University and provides staffing for the Division of Forestry within the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.
