Current Program

• Reforestation Program
• Tree Improvement Program
• Tree Seed Purchase Program
• Nursery Soils Research Program
• Nursery Insect & Disease Research Programs
• Arbor Day
  
  
  
  

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) currently operates three forest tree nurseries: Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel; Griffith State Nursery in Wisconsin Rapids; and Hayward State Nursery in Hayward. Each state nursery is an important economic contributor to the local community.

The state nursery program historically produces and distributes between 8 and 12 million seedlings annually for reforestation of state, county, industrial and private lands in Wisconsin. Seedlings from the state nurseries program can only be utilized for conservation plantings. State nursery stock cannot be used for ornamental, landscaping, or Christmas tree production.

The state nursery program is financially self-supporting from revenue generated by the sale of state nursery stock. Stock sales pay for the entire cost of production, distribution and administration of the state nursery program. In addition to producing high quality nursery stock, a tree improvement program, research, and an Arbor Day program are sponsored byt he state nurseries. A$0.03 surcharge on all state nursery stock sold contributes $200,000 annually to forestry education and public awareness programs in Wisconsin.

The infrastructure and operational methods of the three state nurseries continue to be upgraded to take advantage of new technology. New coolers, modern material handling equipment, refridgerated trucks, and a computer-based ordering and inventory system are some of the recent innovations. Currently there are nearly 55 million seedlings in the state nurseries with a future value of over 5 million dollars.

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Reforestation Program

The Reforestation Program in Wisconsin is one of the most successful in the nation. High quality seedlings, skilled foresters who write and facilitate planting plans, and our continuing emphasis on planning and proper seedling handling are all factors in the success of our reforestation program. A plantation monitoring program documents successful planting and tree-handling techniques.

A variety of hardwood and conifer seed for direct seeding regeneration projects also is available from the state nurseries. Applications are accepted annually; see this page for more information.

A personalized tree-planting plan is avalable online for landowners interested in getting started in tree planting. Drop-down menus guide landowners through various options and additional information is offered to help create a successful reforestation project. Landowners are encouraged to contact their local DNR Forester to finalize their reforestation project.

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Tree Improvement Program

The Tree Improvement Program provides genetically superior seed for the state nursery program by developing and managing seed orchards. The long-term commitment necessary to support a tree improvement program is provided by the existence of the nursery program Seed orchards for red, white and jack pine, white spruce, black walnut, and red oak have been established. Currently, all of the seed needs for white spruce and significant amounts of white pine seed are provided by these orchards. Genetic improvements have been made with white pine blister rust disease resistance, jack pine gall rust disease resistance, increased wood volume production, and improved stem form. In addition, the tree improvement program TIP Annual Report [PDF, 566KB] provides critical information on the proper movement of seed sources within Wisconsin to ensure the best growth and adaptability of reforestation stock.

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Tree Seed Purchase Program

The Tree Seed Purchase Program is vital in providing the thousands of bushels of seed needed annually for planting at the state nurseries. Since genetically improved orchards do not meet all of our seedling needs, the citizens statewide who collect and sell seed provide a consistent supply of seed from a wide range of genetic sources. A seed extractory at Hayward processes the majority of conifer seed sown in the state nurseries.

For more information, see the 2009 Seed Collectors' Newsletter [PDF, 63KB]

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Nursery Soils Research Program

The Nursery Soils Research Program at the University of Wisconsin has historically been supported financially and "in-kind" by the state nursery program. Research results that have been implemented in our nursery operations include soil fertility and organic matter management, use of slow release fertilizers, species-specific fertilization schedules, and fumigation alternatives. In addition, this research has generated numerous scientific publications that have benefited both public and private nurseries across the nation.

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Nursery Insect & Disease Research Programs

Nursery Insect and Disease Research Programs are conducted at, and funded by, the state nurseries. Researchers from the University of Wisconsin and Minnesota, and USDA-Forest Service cooperate with the state nurseries to find practical solutions to insect and disease problems that affect nurseries.

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Arbor Day

Arbor Day, a national environmental education program designed to teach students the importance of trees within our environment, is celebrated in Wisconsin on the last Friday in April. Annually, the state nursery program provides 75,000 free seedlings to fourth grade students for this celebration. Free seedlings are also provided to registered school and community forests. Click here for more information.

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State Nursery Operations

The three state-owned forest tree nurseries in Wisconsin are located in Buscobel, Hayward, and Wisconsin Rapids.

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