START SEEING SEEDS!
While we are all excited about tree planting season, many steps must occur beforehand to ensure a healthy and diverse mix of trees for the future. One of the most critical steps is seed collection. Why? This is necessary to grow the millions of tree seedlings needed in the coming years to reforest, combat climate change, and address other forest disturbances. The need for seeds starts now!
Tree seed collection is carried out by individuals and is a paid opportunity. Organizations such as the Minnesota DNR offer $20-150 per bushel for seeds. There are specific times to collect seeds of various tree species, starting in late summer and continuing through the fall, and there is a growing effort to focus on collecting seeds from more southern regions for planting further north.
This practice, called assisted migration, involves the deliberate effort to plant trees further north than where Mother Nature would otherwise deposit those seeds. Assisted migration can include both introducing more southerly species to a northern area as well as collecting seeds from the same species that normally occur in that northern area but with genetics that have thrived in a more southerly location.
ASSISTED MIGRATION
Assisted migration accelerates the process of establishing these species in more suitable habitats. For example, a seed from southern Minnesota may be more likely to survive and thrive in northern Minnesota due to the warming climate. Since these seeds can't naturally move northward on their own quickly, we should consider this when planting new trees.
ORIGIN MATTERS
The origin of the seed is a critical factor in ensuring the long-term viability of each tree we plant. As older trees in any given area die off, we want to ensure that the next generation of young trees with genetics from a warmer region is already establishing itself to maintain a diverse, healthy, and resilient forest into the future.
TO HELP GROW
Several groups are working to help grow Minnesota's tree seed bank, by training individuals in seed collection, and helping farmers grow tree seedlings alongside crops. Tracking the origin of seeds is crucial to ensure proper planting locations. This work is also vital for a steady supply of climate-ready seedlings, as the process from seed collection to planting takes several years, making it a top priority.
WANNA HELP?
Interested parties who would like to learn more, either about collecting seeds or allowing others to collect seeds on their land, should checkout these these sites for more information:
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​The Nature Conservancy – Climate Smart Seedling Production Network
10 STEPS FOR SUCCESSFUL TREE SEED COLLECTION
1. Contact Your Local Forestry Office or Buying Station
Before you start, get in touch with your local forestry office or the DNR. They will have suggestions on which species are needed most and the best areas to pick from. The Minnesota DNR website has resources with specific details on the process, and tip sheets for each of the species to collect (when they are ripe, what they look like, etc.).
2. Permits and Permission
Some locations may require a permit. If you are not on your own property, ask permission from the landowner.
3. Healthy Collection
Find a stand of at least 10 vigorous, healthy-looking trees of the same species and select seeds from all those trees to ensure a diverse mix of seeds and to mitigate against any quality issues.
4. Documentation
Note the location and species of each tree when you collect seeds.
5. Quality Check
Assess a few sample cones before you proceed to ensure the seeds are of good quality (refer to DNR tip sheets by species).
6. Avoid Ground Seeds
To ensure quality, do not collect seeds or cones off the ground. Do not include rotten or dirty seeds.
7. Do not climb trees
You can sometimes loosen seeds or cones with a vigorous shake. Alternatively, use a slingshot or other tool to knock seeds or cones loose from the top of the tree.
8. Proper Storage
Store the seeds in a paper bag or another breathable container until delivery.
9. Leave Some Seeds
Don’t take all the seeds from a tree; leave some for woodland creatures and natural dispersal.
10. Clean Seeds
Remove leaves, twigs, and debris. Note that “bad” seeds or cones will not be accepted as they can cause problems for the machinery that processes the seeds.