The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

There is some funding available to the Town of Haxtun for a limited number of trees destroyed by the derecho earlier this year. As the area Colorado State University Extension Horticulturist, on behalf of the town Linda Langelo investigated the amount of damage and applied for funding from the Colorado Reforest Grant Program which is specifically for towns devastated by natural disasters. Currently, two grants have been awarded. The Colorado Reforest Grant Program awarded $2,234 for trees and Heginbotham Trust matched the amount for a total of $4,470.

The grant was written based on the need, adding tree diversity to the community and education on tree planting and care. The tree list is comprised of trees that will add diversity to the town and stand as demonstrations to residents, newcomers and visitors of what can do well here. These trees will be part of a tree tour anyone can take. The property owners applying will be asked to place the tree in the front of the property to be part of a tree tour.

Applications are available in the town hall, please contact Karie Wilson at (970) 774-6104. With the application, there are certain requirements to obtain a tree. The Colorado State Forest Service and the Colorado State University Extension is dedicated to your success on this project.

These requirements are as follows:

• Demonstrate that you lost a tree in the derecho. A photo would be helpful.

• You must be the property owner.

• You must be willing to sign a three-year commitment and follow a timeline in the application.

• Follow the instructions of a home Mason Jar Soil Structure test to match the soil requirements of your property to the soil requirements of the appropriate tree.

• Watch a virtual tree care class before the tree planting.

Within the application there is a timeline of when the trees will be delivered, where to pick them up and other deadlines for planting and a tree inspection.

Every applicant will receive a book titled “I Can Name 50 Trees Today” by Bonnie Worth.

For more information call Linda Langelo at (970) 768-2761.