Planting Trees in Colorado National Forests

beautiful Colorado forest stream

Why Plant Trees in Colorado

Colorado’s National Forests have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years, with several large-scale wildfires leaving scars across the landscape. From the devastating Hayman Fire of 2002 in Pike National Forest to more recent fires like the Spring Creek Fire, Troublesome Fire, and Cameron Peak Fire, millions of trees and vast areas of critical habitat have been lost. These events have impacted wildlife, water quality, and the natural beauty that draws millions of visitors to the state each year. By planting a tree in memory or celebration, you are supporting our efforts to rebuild Colorado’s forests.

Which Trees Grow in Colorado’s National Forests?

Colorado is one of a handful of states with its natural landscape distinctively tied to some of its native tree species. Here are some of the most recognizable trees thriving in some of Colorado’s most popular National Forests:

Quaking Aspen (Populus tremuloides): A signature tree of Colorado known for its golden fall foliage. They are notably seen changing color in mid-fall, sometimes earlier at higher elevations like popular ski areas in northwest Colorado. White River National Forest, for instance, is one of the most visited National Forests in the United States with twelve ski areas within its boundaries.
Colorado Blue Spruce (Picea pungens): The state tree, commonly known as Colorado spruce, thrives near streams and moist locations. The special epicuticular wax coating responsible for the blue hue protects the tree and reflects specific wavelengths of light. These blue beauties are often seen along waterways in Gunnison, Arapaho, and Roosevelt National Forests.
Rocky Mountain Juniper (Juniperus scopulorum): A hardy species that supports diverse wildlife and grows on rocky terrain, this rounded evergreen is native to western North America. They are found throughout southwest Canada, the Great Plains, and in many of Colorado’s forests.

Restoring Colorado’s National Forests: A Unified Reforestation Effort

Planting trees is about more than just reforestation—it’s about restoring ecosystems, protecting water quality, and creating a sustainable future. Reintroducing native species such as Ponderosa Pine, Limber Pine, Lodgepole Pine, Colorado Blue Spruce, Engelmann’s Spruce, and Douglas Fir supports a thriving recovery. Additional benefits to the region include biodiversity recovery, water quality protection, and climate resilience. Rebuilding habitats for wildlife, including threatened and endangered species, helps native plants and animals thrive. New tree root systems simultaneously reduce sedimentation in riparian areas, which helps safeguard vital water sources. As the trees grow, they are sequestering carbon, stabilizing soil, and creating healthier, more resilient forests. By supporting reforestation initiatives, you can play a vital role in restoring these iconic landscapes and ensuring their future health and sustainability. Through these combined efforts, Colorado’s National Forests can recover from past devastation and thrive for generations to come.

Addressing Colorado’s Recent Fires, Multiple Fire Restoration

Our planting partners are working on a large-scale reforestation effort to address restoration of three of the largest forest fires in the history of Colorado – the Spring Creek Fire, the Troublesome Fire, and the Cameron Peak Fire. In total, these fires consumed over 200,000 hectares of forests in Colorado. Multiple fires devastated biodiversity, released massive amounts of carbon, and caused extensive erosion in both forests and riparian areas.

To address this crisis, the largest conservation-based reforestation effort in Colorado’s history is underway. This project aims to replant 2 million trees across affected areas, with an initial phase beginning in August 2023 to plant 300,000 trees. The reforestation effort prioritizes collaboration with local and indigenous communities, including sourcing seedlings from Apache Nation Nurseries in New Mexico and Arizona.

CONTACT INFO

125 Hidden Creek Ct.
Pittsboro, NC 27312
Email: info@thetreesremember.com