We have many relationships with trees as sources of food, timber, beauty, shade, and carbon sequestration. Meeting all of these needs requires more trees, and therefore more seed.
Getting involved in tree seed collection offers an opportunity to spend quality time outside, getting in the rhythms of the seasons and potentially earning some spending money.
Wherever you are in Minnesota (or Wisconsin!), there are species of interest near you! Learn more about the trees and the process within the tabs of this site.
This training is designed to prepare you with the knowledge and confidence to collect tree seeds. Find out more about the trees you're interested in within the "Training Materials" tab. Read about other considerations while collecting in the "Finding Seeds" and "Selling Seeds" tabs. To find webinars and in-person events near you, visit the "Workshops and Events" tab.
Currently we have modules for pines, spruces, and oaks. More groups will be added over time!
Whether you know exactly where you're going, or don't know where to start, make sure your collection site checks all the boxes.
We believe in learning by doing! Attend one of the upcoming workshops to practice collecting seed and meet with MN DNR staff.
Kira Pollack is an Extension Forestry Educator whose work focuses on tree seed collection and production. She excels at tree ID and making her courses stand up comedy routines.
Contact Kira with questions and comments at polla275@umn.edu.
All videos have captions and searchable transcripts. This material may be accessed via phone, though the best experience will be on a computer.