In 2024, the Rio Grande Conservation District (RGCD) in the San Luis Valley of Colorado received a Friends of NACD Grant to implement a forestry project alongside the Center Conservation District. With partner assistance from the Rio Grande Watershed Conservation & Education Initiative (RGWCEI), Colorado State Forest Service (CSFS), and NRCS, they held a hands-on educational field day for 5th and 6th grade students centered around tree planting.

With help from their partners, the district office hosted 37 students and planted 14 trees to showcase some of the varieties that can be grown in the area. The day started with students watching a tree planting demonstration by CSFS, dividing up into groups and planting the trees in pre-excavated holes. The species planted that day were all species that grow well in the area and provide important windbreak and pollinator functions. Afterwards the students enjoyed a presentation on the benefits these trees will provide for wildlife, pollinators, and a nearby agricultural field. 

After the success of the tree planting, RGCD installed shrubs between the trees to create additional windbreak and pollinator habitat to benefit the adjacent agricultural field on the district’s property. Remaining funds were used to install a drip-line irrigation system to ensure the new trees and shrubs received scheduled waterings throughout the season. 

Landowners who visit the district property have already expressed interest and curiosity about the installation and have asked about introducing them on their own properties. Ongoing community forestry education has been one of the many additional benefits that the tree planting project has provided. 

RGCD is excited to further develop their forestry projects and work with local partners to bring more hands-on educational opportunities to schools and community members. 

Leveraging funding from a Friends of NACD grants, the Rio Grande Conservation District started a forestry initiative at their district and shared conservation with our next generation of leaders. Staff plans to expand upon the already planted trees and shrubs and use this installation as a living example of what forestry can do for their community! 

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