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Colorado State Forest Service News

Colorado Educators Invited to Apply for Free Seedling Trees

A father and his son plant trees in the High Park Fire burn area during a volunteer event.

GOLDEN, Colo. – The Colorado State Forest Service is accepting applications until Feb. 14 from all Project Learning Tree-trained educators to receive free seedling trees from its Fort Collins nursery.

Interested teachers may request seedlings for planting projects on public or private land, or as awards to students for events and contests.

The purpose of the Free Seedlings for Teachers Program is to encourage Colorado teachers to utilize PLT activities while promoting student involvement in tree planting and forest health projects.

“Our 2014 Free Seedlings for Teachers Program was so successful that we are offering the opportunity again this year. Last year, 13 schools, from preschools to colleges, were awarded nearly 2,000 trees through the program,” said Shawna Crocker, PLT coordinator for the Colorado State Forest Service.

“By utilizing the program, educators receive relevant professional development that supports state education standards, and can then put their PLT certification to work by engaging students in an environmental education activity or planting project.”

Teachers may request up to 200 seedling trees from the CSFS Nursery, which will be delivered in time for 2015 plantings. CSFS foresters will be available to offer awardees advice on species selection, planting methods and long-term tree care.

How to Apply

Successful applicants must have attended a PLT workshop in the past 8 years, or must attend a workshop in 2015. Upcoming workshops are listed online at the Colorado PLT website, and also may be requested at a place and time convenient for teachers. Applicants also must agree to promote the proposed planting projects throughout their school districts and community.

Completed applications must be submitted by e-mail and received no later than February 14. Applications will be reviewed by a CSFS committee, and successful applicants will be notified by February 20.

For additional information, to register for a workshop or to obtain an application packet, go to www.coloradoplt.org.

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