Colorado State Forest Service

Just another breathtaking national forest in Colorado.

Today we (time) travel to the West Bench of the Grand Mesa, offering up fabulous stands of fall color. Aspens take their cue to change when days get shorter in the fall. Color changes also depend on tree health, local weather, environmental factors like drought or increased moisture, elevation and latitude.


📷Kamie Long, CSFS

It's ! We ❤ all things national forest...including the Forest Legacy Program. Partnering with the USFS them makes all kinds of good things happen, like this recent conservation agreement in Gunnison County that protects 3,386 acres of forested and riparian habitat.



📷Laura Wagner, USFS

New Higher Ground Headwaters Ranch conservation easement - Colorado State Forest Service The CSFS and partners, including the U.S. Forest Service Forest Legacy Program, signed a conservation easement to protect 3,386 acres of important forested and riparian habitat for both aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.

What has white flowers and dark fruit, grows all over Colorado and is sometimes used for tummy aches? Our May Tree of the Month of course!

Meet Serviceberry, Amelanchier spp. The small ornamental tree has early spring blooms, and these flowers are frequently used in religious and funeral services, perhaps indicating where its name originated.

We especially like the 'Saskatoon' and 'Shadblow' varieties in the Front Range and lower Western Slope elevations as they have light-moderate water needs.


📷Kamie Long, CSFS