Colorado State Forest Service

The 𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙒𝙞𝙡𝙙𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 𝙍𝙞𝙨𝙠 𝙈𝙞𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 grant program is accepting applications through Oct. 8, 2026. $7.04 million is available.

Community groups, fire protection districts, tribes/tribal organizations, utilities and non-profit organizations are some of the groups eligible to apply. This competitive grant program can fund fuels and forest health projects that reduce hazardous fuels and promote forest health.

$7.04 million in grant funds available to reduce wildfire risk - Colorado State Forest Service The Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation grant program helps fund projects that strategically reduce wildfire risk to property, infrastructure and water supplies and that promote forest health through scientifically based forestry practices.

Did you know the U.S. National Tree is the Oak? To honor America’s 250 birthday month, July’s tree of the month is the mighty Bur Oak! 🌳 🇺🇸

Bur oaks are found in many cities and towns across Colorado. They are slow growers and hearty trees that can survive drought conditions with enough supplemental water. Bur Oak leaves are fiddle-shaped alternate leaves 6-12 inches long with rounded lobes. They are iconic for their large, capped hairy acorns.

Bur oak wood has a beautiful white oak wood grain and is great for furniture, wall paneling, and art uses 🎨



📷 Kamie Long, CSFS

No better way to close out than with Bighorn Sheep! 🐏

The Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep is Colorado's official state animal, and the 𝗥𝗮𝗺, a male bighorn sheep, is 's official mascot. Rams can be identified by their massive, coiled horns. These mammals can be found in multiple areas across Colorado, including Rocky Mountain National Park and the Colorado National Monument. You may even find some in the Poudre Canyon, just west of Fort Collins! They prefer habitat dominated by grass, low shrubs and rock cover, but also enjoy feeding in meadows, open woodland, and alpine tundra.



📷 William M. Ciesla, Forest Health Management International

Forest management in action at State Forest State Park - Colorado Parks and Wildlife!


📷Frankie Emig, CSFS AmeriCorps CSU Extension AmeriCorps Program

Happy to all our feathered friends!🐦‍⬛

Did you know that there are over 500 species of Colorado birds? They can be found all across the state, including pinyon-juniper woodlands and montane & subalpine forests. Colorado is also at the intersection of multiple migratory flyways, meaning you can spot a wide range of Colorado bird species depending on the time of year and location. This month, keep a look out for some of Colorado's summer residents, like the Cassin's Sparrow, Green-tailed Towhee, and the Lazuli Bunting! 👀🦆



📷 CSFS

July is Heat Awareness Month, so let's talk about how trees help with heat! Trees do much more than just provide shade; they can also cool the air through a process called evapotranspiration. ☀️

Evapotranspiration occurs when trees release water v***r through their leaves and draw heat from the air. This is a natural cooling process that can significantly reduce air temperatures. Combined with evapotranspiration, tree canopies also facilitate natural airflow, making the area around the tree much cooler.

During this heat, it is important to care for our trees in our yards and communities to keep us all cool. Healthy trees means cooler air, so make sure you are watering regularly and efficiently!🌳



📷 Kamie Long, CSFS