Seed Market Open

Photo by David Hill.

State tree nurseries are in the market for quality native tree seeds that will be used to help Wisconsin’s forests continue to thrive for generations to come.

Pat Murphy, Department of Natural Resources reforestation program leader, says nurseries are buying seed from locally adapted native trees through September.

“Most of the purchases are from local collectors,” Murphy said. “Remember to obtain permission from the landowner prior to picking. When collection goals have been reached purchasing will end.”

The nurseries’ Reforestation Program this year is looking to buy seed from Balsam Fir, Jack Pine, Basswood, Butternut, Shagbark Hickory, White Oak, Red Oak, Swamp White Oak, Walnut and Wild Plum.

Beginning this year, payments for Basswood seed will be based on the quantity of processed and cleaned seed. Basswood, however, should still be brought to the nursery with wings attached.

Murphy offers these tips for collectors looking to sell seeds to the DNR Reforestation Program:

• All acorns, except Bur Oak, must be floated in water to determine which are viable. Acorns that float should be discarded. Those that sink are generally considered acceptable.

• White Oak must be stored in a cool place and brought to a buying station as soon as possible as this species sprouts quickly. Acorns with radicals longer than half an inch may be rejected.

• Store seed in a cool, dry location and deliver it to a buying station as soon as possible to prevent heating or molding.

• Storage should be in a breathable container.

• Seed may be dropped off at the state nurseries or various buying locations around the state.

For a current price list, volumes by species needed, DNR offices purchasing seed and general information about seed collection, and tree planting in general, please visit the DNR website, dnr.wi.gov, and search keywords “Tree Planting” or view the 2014 Seed Collector’s Newsletter (http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/TreePlanting/documents/seedcollectors.pdf). You also may call Griffith State Nursery in Wisconsin Rapids at 715.839.3702 or Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel at 608.574.4904.