The Colorado State Forest Service and the High Desert Conservation District are accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis for more than 40 varieties of low-cost seedling trees and shrubs grown at the forest service’s nursery in Fort Collins. Seedlings ordered now will be distributed statewide in the spring.

Landowners who are interested in conservation goals such as creating natural windbreaks, improving wildlife habitat or reforesting properties impacted 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 CSFS 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 CSFS seedling trees each year.

Seedling trees have many uses and benefits, including:

Increased property values

Energy conservation through reduced utility bills

Carbon sequestration

Reduced soil erosion

Wind/snow control to protect agriculture, livestock and roadways

Enhanced wildlife habitat and reforestation

The only requirement for purchasing trees through the seedling program is that the seedlings be used for conservation purposes only. Those interested in purchasing seedlings are encouraged to check the continually updated seedling inventory at http://csfs.colostate.edu/seedling-tree-nursery/seedling-nursery-inventory.