OneCanopy Grows Millions of Trees for Reforestation
After four years in business, OneCanopy continues to scale production of native trees and plants to help address the massive reforestation and restoration needs caused by wildfire, disease, and climate change. As OneCanopy expands its greenhouse operations, it is on track to produce more than one million seedlings annually and aims to become the largest producer of native plants for reforestation in the Rockies by 2027.
OneCanopy awarded Jefferson County Douglas-fir Award
OneCanopy awarded Jefferson County Douglas-fir Award
OneCanopy is incredibly honored to recieve the Douglas-fir Award from Jefferson County, Colorado Parks and Open Space! The award recognizes an organization that is an outstanding partner advancing conservation in Jefferson County.
Over the last two years, OneCanopy has grown more than 5,500 native seedlings for restoration projects across the county – all from seed carefully collected by Jefferson County Parks & Open Space. That foresight made it possible to respond to the Quarry Fire with unmatched speed, planting locally adapted ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir back into the burn scar less than one year after containment.
OneCanopy is proud to support a model of restoration that demonstrates how proactive seed stewardship can strengthen resilience across our region.
Learn more about the collaborative relationship between OneCanopy and Jefferson County here.
OneCanopy’s Katelynn Martinez receives Young Forester Leadership Award
OneCanopy’s Katelynn Martinez Receives Young Forester Leadership Award
We are proud to announce that Katelynn Martinez, Director of Operations and Business Development at OneCanopy, has been honored with the Young Forester Leadership Award by the Colorado/Wyoming Chapter of the Society of American Foresters (SAF). This award recognizes emerging professionals under the age of 40 that demonstrate outstanding leadership, a commitment to sustainable forestry, and meaningful contributions to the forestry profession and community.
In announcing the award, SAF shared the following:
“We are pleased to award Katelynn Martinez with the 2025 SAF Young Forester Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding and sustained leadership benefiting the practice of forestry and her invaluable contributions to the SAF.
Through her continuous commitment to the profession, her leadership in the SAF, and her tireless efforts to further the mission of sustainable forestry, Katelynn exemplifies the qualities that this award seeks to honor. As Director of Operations and Business Development for [OneCanopy], Katelynn has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the field of forestry, particularly through her ongoing support of reforestation efforts across Colorado. Her efforts ensure that reforestation is not only a practice but a sustained effort that positively impacts both the environment and local communities. Through Katelynn’s leadership, OneCanopy is filling critical gaps in the reforestation pipeline by growing more than one million seedlings annually for restoration and reforestation efforts across the Rocky Mountain region. Furthermore, her work as an employer, colleague, and mentor has made a lasting impact on the next generation of forestry professionals. Katelynn’s sustained leadership – in both her professional endeavors and her work with SAF – has had a profound impact on the practice of forestry in Colorado and beyond. Her active participation in numerous initiatives—such as facilitating educational events, leading key activities at national conventions and annual meetings, and collaborating with a broad range of partners demonstrates a long-term commitment to improving the field of forestry.
Katelynn is known for her tireless work ethic, her ability to maintain a positive attitude in challenging situations, and – above all – her unrelenting desire to help others. Whether in her professional role, as a mentor to the next generation of forestry leaders, or through her service to SAF, she consistently goes above and beyond. Katelynn embodies the spirit of leadership, collaboration, and dedication that the Young Forester Leadership Award seeks to celebrate. Congratulations, Katelynn.”
Katelynn has also been nominated for the national Young Forester Leadership Award, which will be announced later this summer. This national honor is presented to one recipient each year and is among the most prestigious recognitions in the forestry profession for early-career leaders.
Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition of Katelynn’s outstanding leadership and dedication to land stewardship. We are proud to have her guiding OneCanopy’s growth and impact as we work together to restore and protect our region’s forested landscapes.
To learn more about the Young Forester Leadership Award, visit the Society of American Foresters website.
OneCanopy grows 2,000 trees to plant in Quarry Fire burn scar
In the wake of the devastating Quarry Fire that scorched parts of Colorado’s foothills, OneCanopy is helping to regrow what was lost. The local nursery is cultivating 2,000 native trees that will be planted in the burn scar – an effort rooted in resilience, collaboration, and the power of proactive reforestation. With each seedling, OneCanopy is working to bring new life to the landscape and support long-term forest recovery with Jefferson County Open Space.
Watch/read the full story by FOX31 Denver >>
From burn scar to new growth: how OneCanopy and JCOS are rebuilding after the Quarry Fire
When wildfires strike, the devastation can feel overwhelming - but it's also a powerful reminder of nature’s resilience and the critical role that preparation and collaboration play in recovery. At OneCanopy, we experienced this firsthand through our work with Jefferson County Open Space (JCOS) following the Quarry Fire in July 2024.
The Quarry Fire burned approximately 580 acres of open space land in Deer Creek Canyon Park in Jefferson County, Colorado. Even as firefighters worked to contain the blaze, our teams were already in communication about how we could support reforestation efforts in the aftermath. Thanks to proactive planning and strong partnerships, we were ready to move the moment conditions allowed.
Shortly after the fire was contained, JCOS provided locally collected ponderosa pine and Douglas fir seed to OneCanopy’s nursery. With the seed in hand, we began germinating and growing seedlings specially suited to the local ecosystem - laying the groundwork for a long-term recovery of the burn scar.
This fire underscored the importance of having a conifer cone collection strategy in place before disaster strikes. Because of JCOS’ foresight and our shared commitment to preparation, we were able to respond quickly once burn severity data became available. That rapid response has made it possible to plan for seedling planting in September 2025 across high-severity burn areas.
This project also represents an exciting opportunity for learning and innovation. JCOS will be monitoring the success of the seedlings and sharing data with us to compare survival rates between trees grown in SC10R containers and those grown in our AirTray plugs. These insights will help inform future restoration strategies and ensure we’re always improving how we grow for impact.
Our partnership with Jefferson County Open Space is a testament to what can be accomplished when local organizations work together toward a common goal: restoring landscapes, supporting ecosystems, and building a more resilient future - one seedling at a time.
Rooted in resilience: how Colorado is rebuilding its forests
In the wake of catastrophic wildfires like the 2020 Cameron Peak Fire, Colorado’s forests are facing long-term ecological challenges. Local communities, scientists, and reforestation leaders are stepping up with innovative strategies to heal these landscapes—despite obstacles like seed shortages and a changing climate. At OneCanopy, we’re proud to be part of this larger movement focused on scalable, science-backed forest restoration. These stories of resilience and collaboration inspire our continued mission to grow climate-smart forests across the West.
OneCanopy joins forces to restore wildfire-scarred hillsides
In the wake of devastating wildfires, Northern Colorado is rallying to heal its scarred landscapes – and OneCanopy is proud to be part of the solution. Local communities, landowners, and restoration partners are coming together to revitalize the region’s forests. This collaborative movement is about more than just replanting trees – it’s about restoring ecosystems, empowering communities, and building long-term resilience across the Front Range.
OneCanopy Quarterly Update - Q1 2025
In our latest update, we’re issuing a last call for spring orders of our Colorado-grown, stress-tested seedlings – perfect for reforestation projects in arid, high-elevation environments. As we gear up for the 2025 planting season, we’re actively seeking partnerships with conservation districts, private nurseries, and carbon credit companies across Colorado and Wyoming to enhance our reforestation efforts. Additionally, we’re inviting passionate volunteers to join our bi-weekly events, with opportunities for both individuals and corporate groups. Reflecting on 2024, we celebrated the addition of three new team members, hosted 10 volunteer events, and achieved the significant milestone of planting our millionth tree. Looking ahead, we’re excited to build on this momentum in 2025.
The crucial role of private industry in reforestation
The Crucial Role of Private Industry in Reforestation
Introduction: Why Reforestation Matters
The forested landscapes of the Western United States are facing a crisis. Wildfires, drought, insect outbreaks, and decades of fire suppression policies have created a perfect storm, leaving vast landscapes vulnerable and with negative impacts to their ecological function. Catastrophic events like the Hayman Fire in 2002, which burned over 140,000 acres, and the Cameron Peak Fire in 2020, which impacted 208,000 acres, illustrate the scale of destruction. These disasters threaten biodiversity, worsen air and water quality, and contribute to climate change.
Reforestation is not just a necessity for ecological recovery, it’s a cornerstone for sustainable community and economic development.
Challenges in Reforestation
Despite the pressing need, reforestation efforts face significant hurdles:
- Demand Outpaces Supply: An estimated 30 billion trees are needed to meet reforestation goals, yet existing nurseries can only supply 25% of that need.
- Decades of Suppression: Fire suppression policies and climate change have exacerbated the intensity and frequency of wildfires. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns threaten tree survival, seed viability, and soil health, further complicating restoration efforts.
- Resource Limitations: Financial and logistical constraints hinder effective action. Reforestation involves a long and interconnected pipeline, including financiers, seed sourcers, nurseries, and tree planters. Any disruption in this chain hampers progress.
The Role of Private Industry: Bridging the Gap
Private industry is uniquely positioned to address these challenges, offering efficiency, scalability, and innovative solutions. Companies like OneCanopy are leading the charge by filling critical gaps in the reforestation pipeline. By focusing on operational sustainability and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, private enterprises can not only accelerate the pace of reforestation but also ensure its long-term success.
Key Benefits of Private Industry in Reforestation
- Economic Viability: Private industry operates with a self-sustaining financial model. Businesses can attract financing from private foundations, federal grants, and even natural capital markets, ensuring diverse revenue streams.
- Scalable Solutions: Private nurseries are equipped to expand operations rapidly. For instance, OneCanopy’s nursery can produce up to two million seedlings annually and has the potential to scale further. A network of 20 such private nurseries could meet 15% of the nation’s reforestation demand within a decade, at a fraction of the cost it would take federal or state nurseries to scale.
- Social Enterprise Models: We adopt a “triple bottom line” approach, focusing on people, planet, and profit. This model ensures that environmental impact and community welfare remain as important to us as financial gains.
Community and Environmental Impact
Private industry doesn’t just restore forests, it restores communities.
- Job Creation: Offering dignified, above-market wages and opportunities for those without formal degrees.
- Community Engagement: Service-learning programs and partnerships empower local populations and foster a sense of ownership and pride in the restoration of local landscapes.
- Environmental Benefits: Advanced practices in seed utilization and plastic reduction contribute to more sustainable reforestation efforts. Restored forests enhance biodiversity, improve soil and water quality, and act as carbon sinks, helping mitigate climate change.
The Path Forward
The potential of private industry in reforestation is enormous, but realizing this potential requires collaboration and investment. Governments, non-profits, and private companies must work together to build a robust and flexible reforestation pipeline. Diversified funding mechanisms, such as grants, carbon credits, and private equity, can help scale efforts rapidly.
Private industry can also serve as an incubator for innovation, allowing stakeholders to test new methods and technologies that can be adopted at scale.
A Vision for the Future
Imagine a future where the degraded landscapes of today are thriving forests, teeming with life. By investing in private reforestation initiatives, we can:
- Rehabilitate millions of acres of land
- Create thousands of jobs
- Build resilient ecosystems capable of withstanding the challenges of a changing climate
The path forward is clear. With ambition, innovation, and collaboration, private industry can help shape a greener, healthier planet.
Conclusion
Private industry is not just a participant but a leader in the fight against deforestation. By leveraging innovation, community engagement, and scalable solutions, businesses play a pivotal role in restoring our forests and securing a sustainable future.
Breathing life into reforestation: the benefits of AirTray plugs
Breathing Life into Reforestation: The Benefits of AirTray Plugs
Innovating Reforestation: The Benefits of AirTray Plugs
In the world of restoration and reforestation, innovation often means finding ways to nurture plants while minimizing environmental impact. Enter AirTray plugs, a groundbreaking solution for growers and planters alike. Grown in a 9.2-cubic-inch biodegradable paper sleeve, OneCanopy’s AirTray plugs are designed to optimize plant health, simplify planting logistics, and reduce waste. Let’s dive into the many benefits of this cutting-edge planting solution.
- Healthier Roots Through Air Pruning
One of the standout features of AirTray plugs is their unique air-pruning system. Plugs are grown in trays with open-air spaces surrounding the root zone. This design exposes roots to the air, encouraging them to prune naturally rather than circling and tangling as they would in traditional plastic containers. The result?
- Lateral root formation: Air pruning promotes a dense, fibrous root system with lateral branching. This structure is more akin to natural root growth and supports better nutrient and water absorption.
- Improved plant vigor: Plants with healthy root systems establish themselves faster and are more resilient to environmental stressors, giving them a robust start.
- Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Design
AirTray plugs eliminate the need for plastic containers, a major win for the environment. The biodegradable paper sleeve can be planted directly in the soil, where it naturally decomposes.
- Less plastic waste: Say goodbye to piles of discarded trays that clutter landfills or require tedious recycling.
- Soil-friendly planting: As the paper breaks down, it does not leave behind any toxic or harmful residues.
- Simplified Planting and Handling
Logistics can often be as challenging as the growing process itself. AirTray plugs address this with features that make them incredibly user-friendly:
- Durable transport: The enhanced lateral branching within the root ball strengthens its structure, helping to maintain the root’s integrity. This ensures it remains intact during transportation to the planting site or while stored in planting bags.
- Streamlined planting: The biodegradable sleeve eliminates the need to remove the plant from its container. Simply bury the plug directly in the ground, reducing transplant shock and making the process quicker and cleaner.
- Versatility for Various Growing Needs
Whether you’re planting trees, shrubs, or other plants for restoration efforts, AirTray plugs cater to diverse planting requirements. The optimized root system makes them suitable for any crop that benefits from strong initial growth and adaptability.
The OneCanopy AirTray plugs were designed with forestry purposes in mind. The plugs are 4.72 inches long with a 1.57 inch diameter, allowing for a total root volume of 9.2cubic inches. This is comparable in volume to the traditional 10cubic inch container-grown seedlings typically used in the Rocky Mountain Region.
- Cost-Effective in the Long Run
With improved plant survival rates, healthier growth, and reduced labor costs in handling and planting, they offer significant savings over time.
A Better Way to Grow
AirTray plugs represent a major leap forward in sustainable, efficient planting. By fostering healthier roots, reducing waste, and simplifying the planting process, they empower foresters to achieve better results while caring for the planet.
Together, we can grow plants – and a greener future – with innovative solutions like these.
Interested in giving AirTray plugs a try? Contact us today to place your order!
