Seedlings grow at the Colorado State Forest Service nursery in Fort Collins. Seedling trees can be ordered this fall for distribution next spring.
Seedlings grow at the Colorado State Forest Service nursery in Fort Collins. Seedling trees can be ordered this fall for distribution next spring.Courtesy of Colorado State Forest Service

Landowners who are interested in conservation goals such as creating natural windbreaks, improving wildlife habitat or reforesting properties affected by wildfire or floods are eligible to purchase the low-cost seedlings. Colorado-grown species are adaptable, hardy and ideal for a variety of conservation uses.

The seedling tree 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, about 5,000 Coloradans receive seedlings each year.

Seedling trees have many uses and benefits, including increased property values, energy conservation through reduced utility bills, enhanced wildlife habitat, carbon sequestration, reduced soil erosion and wind/snow control to protect agriculture, livestock and roads.

The only requirement for purchasing trees through the seedling program is that they be used for conservation purposes only.

People interested in purchasing seedlings can visit http://bit.ly/2hSKjvv.