MISSOULA, Mont.—Starting April 23, the staff of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation will be planting 300 trees across the organization’s 22-acre headquarters grounds on Grant Creek Road in Missoula.

The trees—aspens, willows and cottonwoods—are a donation from the Apache Foundation, the philanthropic unit of Houston-based independent energy company Apache Corp. Since 2006, Apache Foundation has donated nearly 300,000 trees for planting in Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Wyoming and now Montana.

“These trees will enhance the wildlife habitat and scenic values of the popular walking trails throughout our headquarters property,” said Becky Bennett of the Elk Foundation.

Approximately 50,000 people visit the Elk Foundation headquarters and Visitor Center annually, and many participate in educational tours along the scenic trails. The 22-acre site includes 14 acres of habitat for whitetail deer, mule deer, songbirds, waterfowl, raptors and an occasional bear.

The Apache Foundation has a goal of planting 1 million trees. It also funds scientific studies, practical applications of environmentally sound land-use principles, planning and other activities, especially in areas where Apache Corporation operates. Non-profit organizations with tree-planting projects are encouraged to contact the Apache Foundation Tree Program at apachetreeprogram@apachecorp.com or 800-746-1911.

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Missoula, Mont., the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the future of elk, other wildlife and their habitat. The Elk Foundation and its partners have permanently protected or enhanced over 5.2 million acres, a land area larger than Connecticut, Delaware and District of Columbia combined. More than 500,000 acres previously closed to public access are now open for hunting, fishing and other recreation. To help protect wild elk country or learn more about the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, visit www.elkfoundation.org or call 800-CALL-ELK.