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.
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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!
Empowering large-scale reforestation and conservation through partnerships
Restoration and reforestation at scale requires expertise, coordination, and a deep understanding of ecological and logistical challenges. OneCanopy stands out as a trusted nursery partner in landscape-scale projects, offering solutions that address both ecological and logistical needs. By fostering partnerships, leveraging diverse resources, and customizing approaches, OneCanopy enables transformative projects that restore ecosystems, support wildlife, and mitigate climate impacts.
The OneCanopy Approach: Tailored Solutions for Complex Projects
Large-scale restoration projects often involve intricate governance structures, diverse stakeholder input, and multifaceted logistical demands. Whether it’s restoring habitats impacted by wildfires, reversing the spread of invasive species, or supporting carbon offset initiatives, OneCanopy thrives in managing the complexity.
Our approach centers on collaboration, adaptability, and science-driven strategies. We offer partners flexibility through two main pathways:
- Speculative Pallet Selection: Partners can choose from a wide array of pre-grown plant materials that are ready for deployment. All OneCanopy plant material is grown from Rocky Mountain sourced seed, ensuring appropriate suitability for the region. We understand the importance of provenance of seed and strive to acquire and grow out seed from a variety of geographies within our region. This option provides speed and efficiency for projects with tight timelines.
- Custom Grow Contracts: For projects with unique ecological or logistical needs, we collaborate directly with partners to develop tailored solutions. This includes selecting the appropriate seed stock provenance, determining the optimal product size, and aligning on budget-friendly pricing and delivery strategies.
Whether a partner chooses from our speculative pallet or opts for a custom grow contract, every project is executed with precision and a commitment to ecological integrity.
Supporting Large-Scale Projects with Strategic Expertise
OneCanopy’s role in the success of landscape-scale projects extends beyond providing plant materials. We partner with organizations to address critical aspects such as:
- Seed Stock Selection: Ensuring the use of genetically appropriate and climate-resilient plant species.
- Logistics Planning: Streamlining delivery and packaging to minimize waste and maximize efficiency
- Payment Flexibility to Support Funding Requirements: Working with clients on payment timing to ensure they can meet compliance requirements of funding sources.
This comprehensive approach makes OneCanopy an invaluable ally for projects that demand technical expertise and seamless execution.
Highlighting Impact: Case Studies of Success
OneCanopy’s ability to manage large-scale partnerships is exemplified in its work on groundbreaking projects that restore ecosystems, support wildlife, and combat climate change. Here are two compelling examples:
Restoring Mule Deer Habitats in Idaho
The Mule Deer Foundation partnered with OneCanopy to restore sagebrush habitats in Idaho. This project addressed a critical ecological challenge: highly flammable invasive grasses had overrun the area, leading to fast-moving wildfires that destroyed the sagebrush—a vital food source for mule deer.
OneCanopy supplied the necessary sage plants, ensuring they were of the right size and genetic profile for the region. The partnership’s efforts have helped reestablish a key habitat, mitigating the impact of invasive species and supporting the recovery of mule deer populations.
Post-Burn Carbon Projects
In the aftermath of catastrophic wildfires, reforestation becomes essential for restoring carbon-sequestering ecosystems. OneCanopy has supported numerous post-burn projects designed to meet carbon market requirements. These projects are crucial not only for ecological recovery but also for offsetting greenhouse gas emissions.
By providing ecological appropriate tree species and ensuring efficient delivery and planting logistics, OneCanopy enables these projects to meet their ambitious goals. From selecting seed stock adapted to fire-prone regions to advising on planting densities, we help partners maximize the ecological and financial returns on their investments.
Why Partner with OneCanopy?
When organizations choose OneCanopy, they’re selecting a partner committed to making large-scale restoration initiatives successful. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Ecological Expertise: From seed selection to habitat restoration, we bring a deep understanding of ecological principles and regional needs.
- Flexibility: Our speculative pallet and custom grow contract options ensure that we meet the unique demands of every project.
- Logistical Excellence: Efficient planning and execution are at the heart of our approach, ensuring smooth operations from start to finish.
- Proven Impact: Our successful partnerships highlight our ability to deliver results.
Looking Ahead: Scaling Impact Together
As environmental challenges grow, so does the need for bold, collaborative solutions. OneCanopy’s commitment to supporting landscape-scale projects positions us as a vital partner in the fight against habitat loss, climate change, and ecological degradation. By leveraging our expertise and resources, we enable partners to achieve their conservation and reforestation goals while driving lasting environmental and societal benefits.
Whether you’re working to restore fire-damaged forests, enhance wildlife habitats, or create carbon-offset opportunities, OneCanopy is ready to help. Together, we can transform ambitious ideas into impactful realities—one project, one ecosystem, one future at a time.
OneCanopy Quarterly Update - Q3 2024
At OneCanopy, we’re thrilled to introduce our innovative 9.2ci AirTray plugs – biodegradable, air-pruned seedlings designed for healthier root systems and reduced plastic waste. We’re actively seeking partnerships with conservation districts, private nurseries, and carbon credit companies in Colorado and Wyoming to enhance reforestation efforts. Additionally, we welcome volunteers passionate about land stewardship to join our bi-weekly events. This quarter, we’re excited to welcome Susan Jeheber-Matthews, who brings 45 years of forestry experience, as our new Grants Manager.
Wild Things & Wild Places podcast: planting native trees for wildlife with OneCanopy
Wild Things & Wild Places host, Joshua Coursey, welcomes OneCanopy’s Director of Operations and Business Development, Katelynn Martinez, to talk about the importance of planting native trees and shrubs, particularly for species like mule deer. These efforts not only enhance biodiversity but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of ecosystems.
