Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation

The Colorado Horticulture Research & Education     Foundation (CHREF) plays a lead role in developing new   leaders and applied science for the nursery and   greenhouse industry. CHREF has contributed more than   $231,482 to research and more than $221,650 to   scholarships since the mid 80's.

• Woody Plant Evaluations for the High Plains & Rocky Mountain Region
• A Multi-site Woody Plant Evaluation
• Greenhouse Production & Protocol Research
• Plant Select® Stock Plant Management Protocol

Scholarships - Each year CHREF awards scholarships to aspiring college students based on an evaluation of their industry experience, sincerity and commitment to a career in horticulture, knowledge and financial need. Scholarship winners are recognized at CNGA's annual Industry Celebration and receive a complimentary membership to CNGA for one year. Through the Arbor Valley Scholarship, the Larry Watson Scholarship, Phil Finnel Scholarship and the Cary Hall Scholarship, CHREF awarded a total of $15,500 in 2017 to eight students. 

>> Now accepting applications for 2019 scholarships.    Eligibility Requirements    Application

To Donate to the Foundation - Contact CNGA at 303.758.6672, [email protected], or mail a check to the Colorado Horticulture Research & Education Foundation (CHREF), 959 S. Kipling Pkwy, Suite 200, Lakewood, CO 80226.

Fundraising Events - Two annual events provide great fellowship opportunities for members while also providing critical fundraising opportunities - the annual Golf Tournament and the live and silent auctions held at the Industry Celebration in conjunction with ProGreen EXPO.

	2018 CHREF Fundraiser Golf Tournament      September 17, The Pinery Country Club, Parker, CO Enjoy a great day of fun and social networking while supporting CHREF.  Register Download the registration and sponsorship form
	Industry Celebration and Auction This marquee event raises money for CHREF through silent and live auctions, featuring the prestigious gnome, Gus, who commands a  premium bid for the honor of giving him a home for a year. The annual event is held in conjunction with ProGreen Expo.  Read Gus's story!

CHREF Board of Directors 

President - Matt Edmundson, Arbor Valley Nursery
Vice President - Mike Kintgen, Denver Botanic Gardens
Secretary/Treasurer - Steve Echter, Echter’s Nursery & Garden Center

Directors:
- Gary Epstein, CCNP, Fort Collins Wholesale
- Jack Fetig, Fossil Creek Nursery
- Gene Pielin, Gulley Greenhouse
- Mike Schleining, CCNP, Arbor Valley Nursery
- Dr. Jim Klett, Ph.D. – Ex-officio Director, CSU Dept. of Horticulture & Landscape Architecture
- Allison Gault, MBA, CAE – Executive Director, Colorado Nursery & Greenhouse Association