Help harvest seeds for a greener tomorrow.
Do you know of a woodland or forest that produces large amounts of seeds or cones?
Before collecting seeds or cones, contact one of the DNR seed drop-off locations to check which seeds are needed and how to collect and process them.
Why collect?
- The seeds and cones you collect play a crucial role in the reforestation of state forests, parks, schools, and private lands across the state.
- We need your help collecting local seeds to grow trees adapted to our climate and produce more resilient forests.
- The Nursery greatly depends on the public to maintain our seed supply.
- Engaging in this activity can also be a wonderful family activity that offers a chance to earn some extra income. Prices for seeds range from $5 to $200 per bushel, depending on the specific tree species.
How it works
- Follow the instrutions: How to register as a supplier to sell seeds and cones to the State Forest Nursery.
- Check the seed and cone collection map to identify drop-off locations for your area.
- Call the appropriate area forestry office drop-off location beforehand and ask what kinds of seeds and cones they need and how many. They may be at capacity for some seeds.
- Check our price list. Prices differ according to species. We need both deciduous and coniferous tree seeds!
- Check regulations before collecting. You may need a permit to harvest from public land (contact your local DNR office). Minnesota state forests do not require a permit if you are collecting seeds and cones to sell to the Nursery. If collecting on private land, get permission from the landowner.
- Follow seed-collecting guidelines to ensure you collect clean, viable seeds that will grow into seedlings. Seeds are only viable under certain conditions and times of year.
Tips:- Do not simply rake up seeds along with twigs and debris
- Pick cones and seeds directly off trees. Fallen cones and seeds are likely not viable.
- Guidelines for collecting deciduous seeds
- Guidelines for collecting coniferous cones
- Pine and spruce cones store their seeds within the cone. Choose cones that are still closed. Open cones are likely to have lost their seeds.
- How to gather black spruce cones (3-min video)
- Black spruce cone gathering tip sheet
- Store seeds and cones in a breathable container and in a cool, dry location. Deliver to a drop-off location as soon as possible. The Nursery will not accept, or offer a discounted price, for low-quality seeds or cones.
- Make sure to know where the seeds were collected and the date, as this will be recorded when you drop them off at the area office.
- To receive payment, you must be registered as a supplier. A supplier will receive payment via the standard state invoice payment systems, with either mailed check or direct deposit. The DNR does not pay sales tax on seeds and cones.