2023 Minnesota Tree Seed Collection Basics and Advanced Workshops

June 28 and July 20, 2023

Online, via Zoom.

Registration is closed

Use this form to indicate your interest in future seed collection programming, and we'll be sure to let you know when new offerings are available.

Color drawings of white pine foliage and cones at various stages of development
CC-licensed image by Zelimir Borzan, University of Zagreb, via Bugwood.org (source)

This is a two-part pilot workshop on practical tree seed collection. Registration is now closed as we have reached capacity. We do plan to offer future seed collection workshops! 

Workshops are delivered by the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA) of Ontario whose mission is to ensure that genetic diversity is recognized and protected as the foundation of a resilient forested landscape, in partnership with the Nature Conservancy of Minnesota and the University of Minnesota Extension. FGCA is a non-profit made up of foresters, technicians, landowners, ecologists, biologists, and seed experts with over 30 years of experience in Climate Change adaptation and forest conservation. FGCA certifies seed collectors in Ontario and this is the first year we are partnering with them to offer this pilot course.

The Basics Workshop covers the foundations of tree seed collection including:

  • Introduction to Minnesota’s Forests
  • Flowering and Seed Biology
  • Seed Quality Basics
  • Forecasting and Seed Collection Basics

The Advanced Workshop builds on learning from the Basics and prepare participants for a fall field training:

  • Related Forests and Afforestation Programs
  • Advanced Seed Quality and Genetics
  • Advanced Forecasting
  • Collection Operations for Professionals and Documentation for Climate Change

Note: Registration includes a copy of FGCA's outstanding Seed Manual. Registrants will be able to pick manuals up in Cloquet or St. Paul. 

For questions about the event, contact Mary Hammes ([email protected]) or Jeff Jackson [email protected]. If cost is a barrier, contact Jeff Jackson for discounted rate options.