Project Ponderosa Tree Sale
Teaching | Inspiring | Planting | Growing
Project Ponderosa was founded in 2006 by Sunriver resident and retired life science teacher Lee Stevenson to promote student environmental engagement and Ponderosa Pine restoration in Sunriver, Oregon and the Upper Deschutes River ecosystem. Since the project’s inception, over 18,000 seedlings have been potted and grown by students in the La Pine High School Life Skills Program and the 4th grade students at Three Rivers School with support from the volunteer nursery team. The nursery site, compost, and many other resources are generously provided by Sunriver Water & Environmental.
Ponderosa Pines are a hardy, majestic native conifer but have been historically heavily logged. They are significantly more resistant to disease, mountain pine beetles, drought and wind damage than Lodgepole Pines and are fire resistant when mature, due to their thick, scaly cinnamon-colored bark. Planting Ponderosa Pines helps to restore forest diversity in the Sunriver ecosystem, while preserving the Sunriver community’s ‘Tree City USA’ tradition.
Ponderosa Seedling Sale
> GET SALE INFORMATION April 12-22nd, 2024
Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory is proud to support Project Ponderosa through a semi-annual (April and October) Ponderosa Pine seedling sale. Proceeds from the sale support Project Ponderosa’s environmental education and habitat restoration programs. Orders can be placed online any time during the sale and pickup will be at Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory Parking lot.
Every fall and spring– the best time of year to plant trees – there are sales of potted Pondo seedlings at the Nature Center, typically the third week of October and the third week of April. There are several sizes and prices of these hardy, established young seedlings. Prices range from about $15 for the small (2 yr. old) to $70+ for the XX large (6+ yr. old / 42”+) Quantities are limited due to the high demand. Planting resilient Ponderosa Pines helps our ecosystem, and our planet for hundreds of years!
Project Ponderosa.org is a volunteer based, mission driven, non-profit. We strive to provide the resources this community needs to help restore native habitat. A special Thanks to Sunriver Water & Environments, llc.
Detailed planting instructions for ponderosa seedlings can be viewed here.
Project Ponderosa Goals
- Begin to restore a durable and valuable species in the Upper Deschutes ecosystem.
- Engage local students in potting and caring for the Ponderosa seedlings.
- Engage and inform students and homeowners of the need for restoring this once common conifer to our community.
- Provide a source of established, potted Ponderosa seedlings to be used for habitat restoration.
- Improved forest diversity and health of the Upper Deschutes River ecosystem in and around Sunriver.
- Spark student interest in ecology, forestry, and horticulture as instill an appreciation for the value of forest diversity.
- Raise money for various organizations and educational and environmental projects.
- Enhance property values and improve neighborhood aesthetics.
Volunteer Opportunities
There are several ways you can get involved in this award-winning environmental, educational and philanthropic program.
- Volunteer at the Project Ponderosa nursery. Help is needed with potting, planting and maintenance of the nursery, as well as planning and outreach.
- Return two gallon and larger nursery pots. Pots may be dropped off at the Second Tern Thrift Store or SNCO campus during business hours.
- Join us for our annual Ponderosa Potting Party in April.
Contact Project Ponderosa coordinator David Walker, to inquire about volunteer opportunities: walker@snco.org