Conservation Education

Promoting public understanding of the role and value of Colorado’s forests and other natural resources is an important part of the CSFS mission.

Promoting public understanding of the role and value of Colorado's forest and other natural resources is an important part of the Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS) mission. Our educational, rather than regulatory, approach is the reason CSFS has evolved into an outreach arm of the Warner College of Natural Resources at Colorado State University.

We view our educational mission as much more than disseminating information materials. We take an integrated approach to Conservation Education and develop opportunities for the public to take conservation action based on their personal commitment. It is this dual approach of telling the story and presenting factual information combined with on-the-ground implementation alternatives and assistance that makes our organization unique.

In western Colorado, alliances have formed to further environmental education. These collaborative efforts include federal, state, and local agencies; agricultural groups; non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations; school districts; and support groups … or, as we put it, “Folks who care about the education of our youth and our communities.” To date, these groups have compiled educational information and libraries, printed and distributed resource directories, produced newsletters, taught workshops, and sponsored youth rendezvous and events. The momentum grows as one idea builds on another.

Montrose: Uncompahgre Conservation Education Alliance

Colorado: CSFS Conservation Education or Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education

Project Learning Tree

CSFS focuses on teachers to achieve public understanding of forestry’s role and value in a healthy environment and economy. Project Learning Tree, a program for K-12 educators, lays the foundation for future landowners to view themselves as land stewards, for community residents to become tree board members, or for recreationists to realize their responsibility for careful fire use.

To find out more about Project Learning Tree in Colorado, visit the Colorado Project Learning Tree website.