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.
