April 22, 2008
300 Donated Trees to be Planted at Elk Foundation Office
MISSOULA, Mont.—Starting April 23, the staff of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be planting 300 trees across the organization’s 22-acre headquarters grounds on Grant Creek Road in Missoula.
The trees—aspens, willows and cottonwoods—are a donation from the Apache Foundation, the philanthropic unit of Houston-based independent energy company Apache Corp. Since 2006, Apache Foundation has donated nearly 300,000 trees for planting in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming and now Montana.
“These trees will enhance the wildlife habitat and scenic values of the popular walking trails throughout our headquarters property,” said Becky Bennett of the Elk Foundation.
Approximately 50,000 people visit the Elk Foundation headquarters and Visitor Center annually, and many participate in educational tours along the scenic trails. The 22-acre site includes 14 acres of habitat for whitetail deer, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors and an occasional bear.
The Apache Foundation has a goal of planting 1 million trees. It also funds scientific studies, practical applications of environmentally sound land-use principles, planning and other activities, especially in areas where Apache Corporation operates. Non-profit organizations with tree-planting projects are encouraged to contact the Apache Foundation Tree Program at apachetreeprogram@apachecorp.com or 800-746-1911.