Urban & Community Forestry

Urban and community forests are dynamic ecosystems that help clean air and water, and conserve energy. They also add form, structure and beauty to communities, reduce noise, provide places to recreate and add economic value to our communities.

Communities too, have forests: trees appear along streets and greenways, in backyards and parks. These forests enhance the quality of human life by purifying air, modifying temperatures, reducing noise pollution, improving aesthetic appeal and raising real estate values.

The CSFS is available to help communities with their tree planting and tree care needs. Technical assistance includes help in devising plans to maintain and add to tree resources, and providing information and workshops on tree care. Caring for our trees not only protects our investment, but provides benefits for the future.

Tree City USA

Are you interested in joining 94 other Colorado communities in becoming a Tree City USA? If so, contact a CSFS District Office or get more information from the National Arbor Day Foundation.

Colorado Tree Coalition

The mission of the Colorado Tree Coalition (CTC) is to lead statewide efforts to preserve, renew and enhance community forests in Colorado. This mission is accomplished through the efforts of dedicated volunteers who work on committees in the following areas: tree grants, Champion Tree Program, Communitree Awards, Notable Trees of Colorado Calendar, Colorado Tree Trust, National Arbor Day Poster Contest and the development of various publications.

For more information, contact Colorado Tree Coalition®.

Arbor Day

A day to celebrate the planting of trees was the idea of J. Sterling Morton, who promoted tree planting while employed for the Nebraska Territory. The very first Arbor Day was celebrated in Nebraska in 1872 and was inaugurated by planting over a million trees in just one day.

According to Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S. 24-11-104): The third Friday in April each year shall be set apart and known as "Arbor Day," to be observed by the people of this state in the planting of forest trees for the benefit and adornment of public and private grounds, places, and ways in such other efforts and undertakings as shall in harmony with the general character of the day established.

To learn much more about the Tree Planters' Holiday, visit the National Arbor Day Foundation website.