State Forest Nursery gears up for seedling sales

AMES — The DNR State Forest Nursery is gearing up for fall 2024 and spring 2025 seedling orders.

Seedlings can be ordered Sept. 3 — May 30. The bare-root seedlings are packaged in bundles of 25 inside sealed and labeled plastic bags.

Tree varieties include 23 species of native hardwoods, eight evergreen species and 15 smaller trees and shrubs. Prices range from 80 cents to $1.20 per seedling.

Seedlings are sold in three age classifications, and range in size from 10-30 inches depending on the species.

Evergreens and a few other species are available for spring delivery only; all other species are available both spring and fall.

Fall delivery is in November, and spring delivery is in April and May. Customers can have their orders shipped, or they can pick them up at the State Forest Nursery in Ames.

“Planting trees and shrubs can help landowners reach a variety of goals,” said Pat Griffin, DNR State Forest Nursery manager. “Native, affordable seedlings are available to help you make your planting successful.”

The DNR State Forest Nursery sells about 1 million seedlings per year and 3-5 million seedlings are grown on-site at any given time.

Located on 98 acres just south of Highway 30 in Ames, the nursery was established by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and has operated continuously ever since.

For more information, visit the online sales site at //nursery.iowadnr.gov/ or call 1-800-865-2477 during regular business hours, Monday through Friday.

DNR’s expert nursery staff can assist with species selection and answer questions about your tree needs and nursery offerings.