By Blake Jackson
The University of Missouri Extension and the Missouri Department of Conservation have partnered to offer a program that provides free white oak seedlings to Missouri landowners.
These orchards aim to create a reliable source of high-quality white oak acorns, according to Brian Schweiss, MU Extension specialist in sustainable forestry.
Landowners who complete a free three-part webinar series are eligible to receive 50 white oak seedlings. They'll be expected to plant these seedlings in a designated area on their property and care for them for the next five years.
The webinars will cover topics like site preparation, planting techniques, and weed control, ensuring participants are well-equipped for success.
To participate, landowners need a minimum of 5,000 square feet of open space, which can accommodate 50 trees planted at a 10-foot by 10-foot spacing. "Up to a half-acre open area is desired to ensure seedlings will not be encroached upon or shaded by trees or adjacent forests,” Schweiss says.
The webinar series goes beyond just the technical aspects of planting and growing seedlings. It will also highlight the significance of white oak trees to Missouri's economy and wildlife.
Mike Fiaoni, manager of the George O. White State Forest Nursery, will address the nursery's annual production of 2.25 million seedlings and their distribution to the public.
While anyone can participate in the webinars, the white oak seedlings are only available for planting sites within Missouri.
In the future, landowners will need to thin the plantation, keeping only the 16 healthiest trees. “Ultimately, we hope landowners collect seed from the best trees to sell to the state nursery for future seedling production,” Schweiss says. “While this may take 15-20 years, it is critical we think long-range to ensure quality oaks are available for planting.”
Landowners own the trees after they are delivered. MU staff may request permission to visit planting sites to monitor progress, but this will only happen with the landowner's approval.
The three-part webinar series takes place Wednesdays at noon on January 15th, January 22nd and January 29th.
Register at https://extension.missouri.edu/events/white-oak-garden-plot or contact Brian Schweiss at schweissb@missouri.edu. The first 20 registrants who complete all sessions and have suitable planting sites will receive 50 free seedlings.
Photo Credit: university-of-missouri
Categories: Missouri, General