One Boulder couple's response to climate change: Grow trees, lots of trees, and give them away

Since 2007, Elizabeth Black has operated a quiet but significant response to climate change from her home in north Boulder. By cultivating and distributing over 12,000 tree and shrub seedlings, she provides a tangible way for neighbors to improve local air quality, reduce neighborhood heat, and provide habitat for pollinators. Her work began after watching a documentary that suggested planting trees as a simple, effective action for ordinary people.

Black approaches this as a long-term personal project rather than a political statement. She spends years learning the specifics of seed germination and soil health, treating every season as an opportunity to improve her nursery. Her property now functions as a micro-nursery where she manages everything from collection to the final giveaway, ensuring that each tree finds a home with someone committed to its survival.

While Colorado’s forests face immense pressure from wildfires, beetles, and drought, experts note that urban landscapes remain a critical piece of the broader conservation puzzle. When residents plant these trees in backyards and along fence lines, they create a distributed forest that provides real health and environmental benefits. Professionals in urban forestry emphasize that the true work begins after the tree is in the ground, requiring consistent care and stewardship.

This effort highlights a shift toward community-driven action. By focusing on what she can control, Black avoids the paralysis that often accompanies news of global environmental shifts. She remains a dedicated student of the land, finding optimism in the simple act of growing something new. As she prepares for next season, her project continues to inspire others to find their own specific, practical ways to contribute to the natural world.