Western Colorado Reforestation: Tree Planting on the Grand Mesa
Reforesting Colorado’s Grand Mesa: North Zone Tree Planting in 2024 🌲
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High atop western Colorado lies the Grand Mesa, the largest flat-topped mountain in the world. Known for its lakes, forests, and sweeping views, it’s also a place where forests have faced challenges in recent years. Warmer temperatures, insect outbreaks, and wildfires have left behind open gaps where trees once thrived.
In 2024, new life returned to the North Zone of the Grand Mesa through tree planting and reforestation efforts. Thanks to caring supporters, thousands of young seedlings are taking root on this landscape, helping to heal the forest and ensure its beauty lasts for generations to come.
What Happened in 2024
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New seedlings were planted in priority areas where natural regrowth wasn’t enough on its own.
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High-elevation species like Engelmann spruce were chosen for their ability to thrive in the cool mountain climate.
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Careful attention was given to planting sites—such as shady spots and areas with natural moisture—so the young trees have the best chance to grow strong.
Every tree seedling planted brings this reforestation project closer to restoring healthy, diverse forests that can withstand future challenges.
Click here to view the priority planting areas on Google Earth:
Why It Matters
The North Zone of the Grand Mesa is a place where forests provide clean water, wildlife habitat, recreation, and beauty for millions of visitors each year. Planting trees here isn’t just about filling empty spaces—it’s about:
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Restoring balance to the ecosystem
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Protecting streams and watersheds
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Creating future shade and shelter for wildlife
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Leaving a living legacy for the next generation
A Gift That Lasts Beyond Today
When you choose to plant trees with us, your gift becomes part of this larger story of renewal in Western Colorado. Each tree planted in honor of a loved one, a friend, or a special occasion helps restore a mountain that means so much to Colorado's forests and beyond.
It’s more than just a card or a certificate—it’s a living, growing legacy rooted in one of the country’s most unique and beautiful landscapes.
Looking Ahead
The work doesn’t stop in one season. Future years will bring more seedlings, more areas restored, and more opportunities to rebuild healthy, resilient forests on the Grand Mesa and adjacent forests such as the Gunnison. With continued support, we’ll watch this landscape transform as today’s saplings grow into tomorrow’s towering trees.
🌿 Ready to give back to nature?
Plant a tree in honor of someone today, and let your gift grow on a forest in need for decades to come.
Recommended Reading
The Blog-
Read MoreEvertrack 2026: Track Your Trees from Seedling to Forest 🌿
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Explore our latest verified memorial tree planting sites across the United States—where your tribute trees take root, grow, and restore forests in real, measurable ways.
California
In the wake of the Rim Fire, reforestation efforts on Stanislaus National Forest—just outside Yosemite National Park—focus on rebuilding fire-impacted landscapes. Native species such as pine and fir are carefully planted to restore forest ecosystems and stabilize the terrain.
Location: Stanislaus National Forest
GPS Coordinates: 37°46'23.9"N 119°52'52.3"W
Impact:
The 2013 Rim Fire scorched thousands of acres of Sierra Nevada forest, leaving a lasting impact on local ecosystems. Today, restoration efforts are underway to reestablish native forest cover, with plantings that include ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, and incense cedar. These efforts help reduce wildfire risk, support natural fire cycles, and restore ecological balance. By limiting shrub encroachment and improving water quality, the project rebuilds critical wildlife habitat, enhances carbon sequestration, and supports a more resilient forest for generations to come.
Species: Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Incense cedar
Oregon
In Oregon’s Klamath Basin, just west of Summer Lake, reforestation efforts are restoring landscapes impacted by the Bootleg Fire—reviving native forests and rebuilding resilience, one seedling at a time.
Location: Fremont-Winema National Forest
GPS Coordinates: 42°47'52.7"N 120°56'03.1"W
Impact:
Years of fire suppression have left Oregon’s forests overgrown and vulnerable to severe wildfires, with the Klamath Falls Basin especially impacted. Once a thriving ecosystem and critical habitat, the region is now the focus of a major reforestation effort.
This project will restore tree cover, improve water quality, and support biodiversity—helping create a more resilient future for wildlife and communities alike.Species: Lodgepole pine, Ponderosa pine, Douglas fir, Western larch
Michigan
In Michigan’s Roscommon State Forest area, restoration efforts focus on replanting red pine stands—supporting wildlife habitat while helping protect vital freshwater ecosystems for decades to come.
Location: Crawford County (MI)
GPS Coordinates: 44°31'18.7"N 84°49'17.2"W
Impact:
Michigan's forests are a cornerstone of the state's rural communities, playing a vital economic and ecological role. This crucial restoration initiative focuses on red pine, a keystone species. Each year, as part of the natural growth cycle, 70 to 90-year-old red pine plantations on state land are replanted with red pine seedlings, rapidly re-establishing these essential landscapes.
Species: Red pine
Florida
Longleaf pine restoration in West Central Florida is helping rebuild one of North America’s most important ecosystems. These forests provide critical habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, including gopher tortoises, Sherman’s fox squirrels, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and bobwhite quail.
Location: Withlacoochee State Forest
GPS Coordinates: 28°43'44.5"N 82°33'47.2"W
Impact:
Longleaf pine forests, a defining feature of the southern U.S., play a vital role in Florida’s ecological resilience. At Withlacoochee State Forest, this project focuses on restoring a fire-adapted, drought-resistant ecosystem that supports rich biodiversity and protects water quality. By bringing back these resilient pines, we strengthen carbon sequestration, preserve the Withlacoochee River watershed—a key water source for eight counties—and create habitat for endangered species.
Species: Longleaf pine
Georgia
Our Georgia Evertrack sites, verified through veritree, are replanted with native loblolly pine to restore forest cover and support sustainable forestry practices. Current tree planting efforts are underway in Oak Park, Georgia, just south of Atlanta.
Location: Tattnall County (GA)
GPS Coordinates: 32°26'37.1"N 82°21'20.3"W
Impact:
Georgia’s forests have faced combined impacts from wildfires and Hurricane Helene, leaving working forests degraded and wildlife habitat fragmented. With forestry central to the state’s economy, restoration is both an ecological and economic priority. This project replants native loblolly pine—sequestering carbon, restoring habitat connectivity, and supporting wildlife.
Species: Loblolly pine
South Carolina
Tree planting efforts in Sumter National Forest help restore native ecosystems and improve long-term forest health.
Location: Greenwood County (SC)
GPS Coordinates: 33°59'34.6"N 82°04'39.0"W
Impact:
Hurricane damage has significantly impacted South Carolina’s forests, leaving working landscapes degraded and ecosystems vulnerable. This restoration project replants affected areas—advancing sustainable land stewardship under Sustainable Forestry Initiative standards, while sequestering carbon and restoring habitat for local species.
Species: Loblolly pine
Alabama
By planting a mix of longleaf and loblolly pine, this project supports biodiversity and advances sustainable forest management. Current planting efforts are underway within the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge in central Alabama.
Location: Bibb County (AL)
GPS Coordinates: 33°06'47.5"N 87°05'05.2"W
Impact:
Alabama’s forests face ongoing pressure from the Southern Pine Beetle, whose infestations can devastate softwood pines across the Southeast. Affected areas are logged to remove infested trees, leaving landscapes in need of restoration. This project replants native loblolly pine—reducing fire risk, limiting further infestation, sequestering carbon, and creating habitat for local wildlife.
Species: Loblolly pine
Mississippi
In the Tombigbee National Forest region of eastern Mississippi, wildfire damage has left working forests in need of restoration. This project replants native loblolly pine across affected areas—helping rebuild resilient ecosystems, capture carbon, and restore critical habitat for local wildlife.
Location: Noxubee County (MS)
GPS Coordinates: 32°56'44.8"N 88°42'34.4"W
Impact:
In the wake of wildfire impacts, sites in Mississippi underwent salvage logging to clear damaged trees and prepare the land for renewal. In early 2026, planting began with native loblolly pine seedlings—marking the start of a long-term forest recovery effort.
Species: Loblolly pine
Verified Impact. A Gift That Grows.
With EverTrack, your memorial trees are more than symbolic—they’re planted in verified reforestation projects, with ongoing tracking of their growth, health, and long-term impact.
Photos, GPS, Impact: Meet Evertrack 🌿
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Read MorePlant a Tree Tribute Card Guide
When you plant a tree in honor or memory of someone special, the tribute card helps share the meaning behind your gift. Our tribute cards notify recipients that trees have been planted in their honor while supporting reforestation projects across the United States and Canada.
In this guide, explore the tribute card styles from A Living Tribute and choose the tribute card that best reflects your message of remembrance, celebration, or appreciation.
Southern USA
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Plant a Tree in South Carolina
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Plant a Tree in North Carolina
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Western USA
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Additional CA Forests:
Eldorado National Forest (Lake Tahoe)
San Bernardino National Forest
Shasta-Trinity National Forest
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Midwest USA
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Ozarks and Appalachia USA
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Northeast USA
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Forest Friends 2026
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Plant a Tree for US Forests of Greatest Need
Canada 2026
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Additional Provinces:
Have questions or need help customizing your tribute card? We’re here to help—contact our customer service team at info@alivingtribute.org
A Living Tribute - Plant a Tree Card Guide
