The Colorado State Forest Service, in conjunction with the Dolores Conservation District, is accepting applications on a first-come, first-serve basis for more than 40 varieties of low-cost seedling trees and shrubs.

This year, the CSFS Nursery also has added grasses and wildflowers to its inventory of growing stock. Seedlings ordered now will be distributed statewide in the spring, including to Mancos.

Coloradans interested in conservation goals such as creating natural windbreaks, improving wildlife habitat or reforesting properties impacted by wildfire or other natural disturbances are eligible to purchase the low-cost seedlings. CSFS Nursery Manager Josh Stolz says Colorado-grown species are adaptable, hardy and ideal for a variety of conservation uses.

"We're very excited about our inventory options this year," Stolz said. "We have new species, more size options and good quantities to accommodate virtually any conservation need."

The CSFS seedling tree program is intended 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 purchase CSFS seedling trees each year.

Seedling trees have many uses and benefits, including:

Wind/snow control to protect roadways and livestock

Enhanced wildlife habitat and reforestation

Increased property values

Energy conservation through reduced utility bills

Carbon sequestration

Reduced soil erosion

Visual screening

To purchase seedling trees from the CSFS, landowners must agree to use them only for conservation and not to resell them as living plants, but there is no minimum acreage requirement. A continually updated seedling inventory can be found at http://csfs.colostate.edu within the Seedling Tree Nursery tab.

For more information, contact the Conservation District at (970) 565-9045 Ext. 3 or the CSFS Durango District at (970) 247-5250.