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As we complete our fall chores and get ready for that first big snowfall, it's hard to think about spring tree planting. But believe it or not, it's that time again.

The Routt County Conservation District seedling tree program will start again in November. RCCD, in cooperation with the Colorado State Forest Service, sells bare-root and potted seedling trees for conservation purposes, including windbreaks, visual screens, erosion control and wildlife habitat improvements. This seedling tree program enables farmers, ranchers and rural landowners to obtain shrubs and trees at nominal cost. Landowners with a minimum of 2 acres of land are eligible to participate.

The State Forest Nursery in Fort Collins grows more than 2 million seedlings each year, and about 40 species are available through the RCCD seedling tree program. Available trees include cotoneaster, caragana, current, chokecherry, sand cherry, golden willow, Colorado blue spruce, Rocky Mountain juniper, bristlecone pine and lodgepole pine. Choose from the numerous varieties of trees and shrubs to meet your application's specific needs.

Tree planting is a symbol of our faith in and hope for the future, and planting, caring for and nurturing trees is a reminder of our long-term commitment to conservation. According to the State Forest, following are 10 ways to use trees to benefit our environment and contribute to our community's conservation efforts:

1. Trees help control soil erosion. Plant windbreaks to slow the wind - roots hold the soil in place.

2. Create a snow fence using trees to control blowing/drifting snow, reducing fuel consumption and labor costs associated with snow removal. Living snow fences provide safe roadways and are more attractive and require less maintenance than traditional slat fences.

3. Use wood products whenever possible instead of non-renewable resources. Then, plant trees to renew the resource you are using.

4. Trees help cleanse our air. They control air-polluting gases through oxygenation and dilution.

5. Reduce noise by planting buffers.

6. Ask for paper instead of plastic sacks when shopping. Each spring, plant a tree to replace the paper.

7. Grow tree and shrub species, which annually shed leaves on your home's south and west sides to cool your residence and reduce energy used for air conditioning. In winter, they allow the sun's rays to help heat your home, saving on heating costs. Evergreens planted on the north side block cold winter winds.

8. Provide wildlife habitat in urban and natural forests and in streamside areas.

9. Increase young people's environmental awareness and conservation action through environmental education programs.

10. Plant a tree to beautify Colorado.

With the change of seasons - and as preparation for the long, cold winter continues - it's time to start planning for spring tree planting. Order forms are available at the Routt County Extension Service Office in the County Courthouse Annex on Sixth Street and at the RCCD office at 1475 Pine Grove Road, Suite 201A.

RCCD will accept orders until March 31, 2007. But remember to order early - quantities are limited, and some species sell very quickly. Seedlings generally arrive for pick-up the first week in May, and program participants will be informed of the exact pickup date, time and location.

Place your tree order soon to begin your 2007 conservation efforts. In the words of Dr. Richard Leakey, "We make an immense mistake when we think of trees as solely and aesthetic member of a community. They cut pollution, they cool the air, they prevent erosion, they muffle sound and they produce oxygen. Then, after all that, they look good."