While we at Let’s Plant Trees (www.LetsPlantTrees.org) and our community 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.
Interested parties who would like to learn more, either about collecting seeds or allowing others to collect seeds on their land, should checkout these sites for more information and don’t forget to order your FREE tree seedling at LetsPlantTrees.org
