Cone and seed collection

Hands full of acorns

Help harvest seeds for a greener tomorrow.

Do you know of a forest or woodland that produces a large quantity of seeds or cones? The DNR collects 2,500 and 5,000 bushels of seeds and cones each year with the help of the public. These collections ensure a reliable seed supply for growing trees that support reforestation efforts throughout Minnesota.

If you’re interested in learning more or have questions about the program, contact:

Email: Nicole Schafer, seed procurement consultant

Phone: 218-460-9388

Hours: 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday

If you need to schedule a drop off or have regional questions, please contact your area forestry office. 

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.

How it works

  1. Contact your local DNR area forestry office.
    • Find your region. Locate the forestry office serving your area.
    • Ask about opportunities. Staff can tell you which species they’re collecting and timelines for collecting. Some areas may also have volunteer sign-up lists or specific projects you can join.
    • Check the price list to see the list of trees we collect.
  2. Learn how to ID mature seeds and cones.
    • Learn about each species. Collect only from the right tree species and keep species separate. If you’re unsure, use different containers.
    • Check the DNR Seed Guidelines or contact the Seed Procurement Consultant for help. You can email photos of the tree’s seeds, leaves, bark, and twigs for identification. Collection seasons are short and vary by species, location, and year. The guidelines list when and how to collect and handle each species.
    • Collect only mature seeds and cones.
      • Follow these indicators of a good seed or cone.
        • Outside color: brown, tan, yellow, purple, or appropriate mature shade.
        • Texture: firm, not soft or mushy.
        • Inside: seed coats are tan, brown or black, texture is firm, and the seed cavity is fully filled.
        • Cones: are closed and not open
      • Avoid immature or overripe seeds and cones.
        • Immature: green, tightly closed, seed cavity empty or partially filled.
        • Overripe cones: open, often found on ground, usually empty.
      • Test for quality.
        • Perform cut tests on at least 10 cones or seeds.
        • Check for viable, healthy seed inside. Below are examples of healthy seeds.

          Sliced black spruce cones should have four or more full seeds per cut face.

          Sliced bur oak acorn.

      • Clean your collection.
        • Pick clean, no green. Remove all twigs, needles, leaves, and debris.
    • Payment eligibility.
      • DNR will not pay for:
        • Damaged seeds and cones
        • Under- or over-mature cones and seeds
        • Collections that aren’t labeled or cleaned
  3. Pick, store, handle, and deliver.
    • Get permission. Always get permission before collecting cones—this includes private land as well as county and city owned property. You can check the Government-Owned Lands of Minnesota map to see who manages an area. No permit is needed to collect in state forests if you’re selling to the Nursery, but contact your local DNR office for other DNR lands.
    • Have proper tools. You will most likely need buckets, ladders, pole pruners, rakes, hand pruners and gloves. Check with DNR Seed Guidelines for recommended collection methods.
    • Don’t collect too much from one tree or one stand. To keep good genetic diversity at the site, collect from at least 10 trees in an area. Don’t collect more than 10% from a single tree and avoid damaging branches while collecting if possible.
    • Store correctly. Collect cones in sturdy bags or containers. Burlap sacks are preferred because they allow air flow around the seeds and reduce the risk of rot. Plastic zip bags or paper bags can be used for deciduous species, but avoid completely sealing the top. Follow DNR storage recommendations.
    • Label each container. Label each container with your name, collection date, species, county, township, and seed zone (if known). A bushel is equal to approximately eight gallons.
    • Schedule a time to deliver your collection. Bring your seeds or cones to a buying station location right away to prevent loss or deterioration. The DNR offices will tell you when, where, and how to deliver them. Deliveries are by appointment only.
    • Get paid. Once staff confirms your collection meets our quality standards, they will write you a receipt and a check based on the seed and cone purchasing prices and how much you collected. Payments from DNR seed and cone sales are tax-exempt, so you don’t need to report this income on your taxes.
      • If you sell more than $1,000 at one time, or $5,000 total in a year, you’ll need to register as a supplier (link needed) with the State of Minnesota.
      • The DNR may refuse to buy seeds or cones that don’t meet quality standards, if purchasing goals are already met, or if code of conduct is violated.
  4. Stay involved.

Thank you! Your work plays a vital role sustaining Minnesota forests!

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