Planting for
the Future
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Building habitat for future generations.
Planting for the Future is a habitat and conservation program that provides trees and shrubs for large-scale planting projects to private landowners, city and county parks, and others interested in building habitat for the future.
Trees and forests are an important resource, providing watershed protection, wildlife habitat, recreational opportunities, and protection for crops, soil and livestock.
Currently about 800,000 acres – or 1.8 percent – of North Dakota’s total land area is forested, but about 70 percent of North Dakota’s forest land is privately owned.
Planting for the Future’s goal is to work with industry, wildlife groups, the Outdoor Heritage Fund, and private landowners to create large-scale tree and shrub plantings on private land that will serve as habitat for future generations.
The program will achieve this by providing trees to the landowner at no cost. Landowners will only be asked to provide in-kind assistance with site preparation, equipment usage, planting, and care and maintenance of plants. Tree specialists will provide the tree planting equipment and will be available to assist with project planning and supervision during planting.
Eligibility
The program is open to any conservation-minded landowners within the state of North Dakota who want to develop and improve habitat on their land. Projects will be tailored to meet the preferences and priorities of each landowner; however, projects must meet the following conditions:
- Project must be primarily built for habitat. Plantings that serve only as shelter or privacy for homes will not be accepted. Single-row tree rows or shelterbelts are not eligible.
- Trees must stay in place for a minimum of 10 years.
- Project should consist of 600 trees or more. Exceptions may apply where multiple smaller plantings are within a reasonable distance from one another.
- Grazing is not permitted within the project borders. Any necessary fencing of project is at the landowner’s expense.
- The landowner must agree to provide labor, equipment and/or monetary support for the project as outlined in the Acknowledgment of Terms and Conditions agreement.
How to apply
Complete and submit the following:
SIGNED TERMS & CONDITIONS FORM
PROJECT MAP AND DIAGRAM
Send your application to Ron Day at daygoose@bis.midco.net.
or via mail:North Dakota Petroleum Foundation
P.O. Box 7233
Bismarck, ND 58507
The program is full for the 2025 planting season, but applications may be submitted for the 2026 planting season.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 PLANTING SEASON ARE DUE BY AUGUST 1, 2025.
DOWNLOADS & FORMS:
Application Form (PDF) (Word)
Terms & Conditions
Program Handbook and Resources
Our Programs and Initiatives
The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation operates several programs, events and initiatives aimed at providing and supporting education and outreach opportunities related to the oil and gas industry; developing and advancing quality of life initiatives; and, promoting and enhancing the conservation heritage of North Dakota.
BAKKEN ROCKS COOKFEST
Held in a Bakken community each summer, this free festival offers food, music, games and activities for kids, and the opportunity to meet and learn from oil and gas companies and their employees operating in our state.
PLANTING FOR THE FUTURE
Planting for the Future is a habitat and conservation program that provides trees and shrubs for large-scale planting projects to private landowners, city and county parks, and others interested in building habitat for the future.
TEACHER EDUCATION SEMINAR
This seminar offers educators the opportunity to earn continuing education credits while learning about the oil industry, touring a rig and other oilfield facilities, ideas to take back to the classroom.
NORTH DAKOTA ENERGY EDUCATION
The ND Energy Education program offers free educational tools, resources and seminars to both students and teachers to help them learn more about North Dakota's oil and natural gas industry and explore energy in STEM.
AL GOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP
Named after North Dakota oil pioneer, the Al Golden Scholarship awards a $2,000 scholarship each year to up to nine students pursuing post-secondary education or training in an energy-related field.
View Our Events Calendar
Supporting Partners
The North Dakota Petroleum Foundation's programs and initiatives are made possible by annual support and donations from sponsors and partners.