The Colorado high plains meeting the foothills of the Rocky Mountains is referred to as the ‘Front Range’. This starts in New Mexico going north westerly into Wyoming and Montana. It draws the line in Colorado specifically the cities of Pueblo, Colorado Spring, Metro Denver, up to Fort Collins and towards Laramie Wyoming.
I’ve seen and read that the native high plains contained few or no trees. Unsuitable climate after thousands of years proved trees would not thrive well here. When historians say the trees we see were planted by settlers we begin to understand the sorry appearance some of them have. Many trees especially Cottonwoods were planted along the highline canal and various streams that fed ultimately to rivers that eventually flowed to the seas. Many trees thrive being near water. Others dry out and die young. Many fall victim to the natural water flow contouring and erosion that occurs over decades. I have many pictures of trees failing or struggling. Many more trees thrive and are planted.
Shown here are some healthy warriors, and others that appear tortured by the high plains climate in place here. Cheers to their attempts to thrive.
