In honor of Arbor Day, the San Juan National Forest will offer native ponderosa seedlings from Friday to April 29 on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The seedlings are free, though donations to the Plant-a-Tree program, which funds reforestation projects, are encouraged.

People can pick up a maximum of 10 seedlings per person. They should be kept cool (in the shade or in a refrigerator) and be planted within a week.

Seedlings can be picked up at Forest Service offices in Durango, Bayfield, Pagosa Springs and Dolores.

For more information, call 247-4874.

Plant between 7,000 and 9,000 feet.Plant in well-drained soil that receives at least a half day of sun. Ponderosas do not survive in soil that is moist all summer long.When transplanting, soil must be damp.Dig a hole longer than the roots. The tree should be buried within a half inch of its bottom needles.Tap soil tightly around the trees. Scrape away competing vegetation for about a 1-foot radius around the seedling.It is not necessary to water the seedling, except in times of extended dry periods.