Sell Quality Tree and Shrub Seeds to Missouri Conservation

By Blake Jackson

The Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Northwest Regional Office will be purchasing select tree and shrub seeds from the public during August, ahead of a broader seed collection effort later this season.

Community members can drop off approved seeds at the office on Friday, August 8, and Thursday, August 28, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.

These collections are part of an annual effort by MDC’s George O. White Tree Nursery in Licking, where the seeds are cultivated into bare root seedlings for conservation use.

The Northwest Regional Office will accept the following seeds during August, provided they meet maturity and quality standards:

• Black Cherry - $6.00/lb (must be ripe and black in color)
• Hazelnut - $4.75/lb (must be mature with a brown husk and loose seed)
• Paw Paw - $1.50/lb (must be ripe and soft)
• Wild Plum - $1.95/lb (must be fully ripe in red, yellow, or orange-no green fruit accepted)

MDC reserves the right to stop purchases once seed needs are met, and may decline seeds that are immature, low quality, or mixed with debris like leaves or twigs. Participants are encouraged to call 816-271-3100 before collecting to confirm current seed needs.

A special use permit is required to collect seeds on conservation areas. Details can be found at mdc.mo.gov/permits/special-use-permits.

The Northwest Regional Office is located at 701 James McCarthy Drive, Missouri Western State College campus. For collection bags, labels, or alternative drop-off scheduling, contact MDC Forester Timothy Wolfe at 816-271-3100 ext. 1437.

Photo Credit: istock-pyzata