For The Journal

In honor of Arbor Day, the San Juan National Forest will be offering native ponderosa pine seedlings free to the public on a first-come, first-serve basis April 22 through April 29 or as long as supplies last, at its offices in Durango, Dolores, Bayfield and Pagosa Springs.

Donations to the Forest’s Plant-a-Tree Program are encouraged to help cover the costs of collecting, storing and growing native trees to reforest burned areas on the San Juan National Forest. Individuals can pick up a maximum of 10 seedlings per person. Seedlings should be kept cool (in the shade or in a refrigerator) and be planted within the next week. Seedlings come with instructions on how plant and care for the young trees.

For more information, contact the San Juan National Forest at 970-247-4874.