FORT COLLINS, Colo. — A Colorado State University (CSU) program designed to help restore Colorado forests impacted by natural disasters by planting trees recently received an $11,000 donation from The Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO).
The program, Restoring Colorado's Forests Fund, uses donations to provide seedlings for planting in areas impacted by wildfire, floods or other disasters.
"In recognition of all the amazing things that our volunteers do, we chose the gift of trees that will also have a lasting and positive impact by helping to restore forested areas in our beautiful state,” said GSCO and CEO Stephanie Foote.
Donations are focused into areas "critical to water protection, wildlife habitat and public benefit," according to CSU's Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS). CSU founded CSFS in 2003 to provide forestry assistance, wildfire mitigation expertise and outreach and education to landowners and communities.
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Mike Lester, CSFS director and a state forester, said planting trees helps stabilize soils, protect water supplies and restore the landscape.
A $2 donation funds one seedling — to date, CSFS has planted more than 122,000 trees.
CSFS grows seedling trees in its Fort Collins nursery to "ensure that only those best adapted to local conditions are used for restoration efforts," CSU said.
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