Conservation & growing guides
Restoration projects the nursery supports and practical guidance for planting Ohio natives.
Conservation project
The White Oak Initiative
The White Oak Initiative is a collaborative effort focused on ensuring the long-term survival and sustainability of white oak forests across the eastern United States. White oak plays a vital ecological role, supporting hundreds of wildlife species and contributing to healthy forest structure and diversity. However, many white oak stands are aging, and inadequate regeneration threatens their future. The initiative brings together public agencies, private landowners, conservation organizations, and forest industry partners to raise awareness of these challenges and promote science-based strategies for restoring healthy white oak populations. A major goal of the White Oak Initiative is to improve forest management practices that support natural regeneration. White oak seedlings and saplings often struggle to compete with faster-growing species, which means that targeted thinning, prescribed fire, and other active management techniques are needed. By offering guidance, tools, and educational resources, the initiative helps landowners and forest managers understand when and how to implement these practices. Such efforts ensure that younger generations of white oak can establish, grow, and eventually replace the aging trees that currently dominate many landscapes. Beyond ecological benefits, the White Oak Initiative also highlights the cultural and economic importance of white oak. The species is essential for traditional wood products, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and even industries such as cooperage, where white oak is prized for barrel-making. Through coordinated research, outreach, and on-the-ground action, the initiative works to secure a resilient future for white oak forests, ensuring they continue to enrich natural ecosystems and support communities for generations to come.
Jul 27, 2026
Conservation project
Mine Land Reclamation
Historically, the vast majority of Ohio's mine land was returned to pasture — not to forests — largely because successful reforestation has been difficult to achieve. Typically, once an area has been mined, soils are left compacted, severely limiting the ability of tree seedlings to grow and survive when traditional planting methods are used. Ohio's representatives to the Appalachian Regional Reforestation Initiative (ARRI), a cooperative effort that encourages reforestation on reclaimed coal mines in the Eastern United States, are working with ODNR's mining regulators to reevaluate mining and reclamation methods in order to promote tree planting. Reevaluation has allowed mine operators to reclaim mine sites without compacting soil and to benefit from cost-effective regulatory compliance. Through the willingness of landowners and the cooperation of mine operators, the FRA creates productive forests that generate value for landowners and provide watershed protection, wildlife habitat and other environmental services. 5 Steps of the Forestry Reclamation Approach Create a suitable rooting medium for good tree growth that is no less than 4 feet deep and comprised of topsoil, weathered sandstone, and/or the best available material. Loosely grade the topsoil or topsoil substitutes established in step one to create a non-compacted growth medium. Use ground covers that are compatible with growing trees. Plant two types of trees: one for early succession species for wildlife and soil stability, and another for a commercially valuable crop. Use proper tree planting techniques.
Jul 27, 2026
Conservation project
Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program
With fewer fence rows and woodlots and less fall tillage, Ohio farms lose more and more soil due to wind. Adding to the problem in northwestern Ohio are sandy soils that are very susceptible to wind erosion. The Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program is an inter-agency effort to assist landowners in establishing field windbreaks. The program is available in 17 counties: Allen, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Hancock, Henry, Lucas, Ottawa, Paulding, Putnam, Sandusky, Seneca, Van Wert, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot. The Northwest Ohio Windbreak Program is a full service program. Assistance available to the landowner includes an on-site inspection, windbreak design and help in completing the application. In the spring, a pre-emergent herbicide is applied and the seedlings planted. In the fall, the planting is inspected and a second herbicide application is made. Replacement seedlings are provided the following spring to the landowner to replant dead seedlings. Contact your local NRCS/SWCD office or ODNR district office in Findlay to apply for a windbreak. A district technician or the private lands biologist can meet with you to determine eligibility and help develop a planting plan that insures a successful windbreak. Planting is done in early spring by the ODNR Division of Forestry, so it is best to contact them in the summer or fall and plan ahead for next year’s spring planting season.
Jul 27, 2026
General
Choosing the Right Seedling for Your Site
Selecting the right trees for planting begins with understanding your site conditions, long-term goals, and the ecological role you want your trees to serve. Soil type, sunlight exposure, drainage, and available space all play major roles in determining which species will thrive. Native species are especially valuable in Ohio because they are well-adapted to local climate and support local wildlife. Considering these factors early helps ensure that the tree you choose will grow well and contribute positively to the surrounding landscape. Because choosing the appropriate species can feel overwhelming, Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Service Foresters are an excellent resource. These trained professionals can help assess your property, explain soil and habitat characteristics, and suggest species that match your objectives - whether you're aiming for shade, wildlife habitat, erosion control, or timber production. Their guidance is based on current forestry research and practical field experience, making them uniquely qualified to help you avoid common mistakes like planting trees unsuited for your soil or too close to structures. In addition to species selection, ODNR Service Foresters can assist with long-term planning. They can help determine planting layouts, spacing considerations, and maintenance strategies that support healthy growth over decades. Engaging with them early ensures that your planting choices align with both your goals and the natural conditions of your land. By collaborating with a Service Forester, you gain confidence that your investment in trees will be successful, sustainable, and beneficial for Ohio’s forests and communities. For tree plantings in urban or suburban areas, it’s recommended to consult a certified arborist. Arborists are trained to understand how trees interact with built environments, including sidewalks, utilities, compacted soils, and limited rooting space. They can recommend species that tolerate urban stresses, evaluate potential hazards, and ensure proper planting techniques that support long-term tree health. Certified arborists in your area can be found through the International Society of Arboriculture.
Jul 1, 2026
General
About the Buckeye State Tree Nursery
Overview and Mission: The Buckeye State Tree Nursery (BSTN) is a premier, state-operated propagation facility dedicated to the large-scale production of native Ohio forest stock. Launched in February 2024, BSTN is managed by the Ohio Division of Forestry. The nursery's primary goal is to scale up to an annual production capacity of one million native tree seedlings, providing the backbone for Ohio’s reforestation, conservation, and habitat restoration efforts. Product and Technological Advantage: BSTN differentiates itself by producing containerized seedlings using a high efficiency greenhouse model and specialized ellepot technology. Utilizing AirRack systems, the nursery employs "air-pruning" techniques to create a dense, fibrous root system. Because the seedling is planted directly in its biodegradable sleeve, it experiences zero transplant shock, ensuring significantly higher survival rates, faster establishment, and extended planting windows. Operations and Infrastructure: Operating on a 40-acre campus with 12 acres optimized for intensive nursery production, BSTN features over 88,000 sq. ft. of climate-controlled greenhouse space. The facility is equipped with an industrial-grade automated production line, including precision seeders, soil mixers, and automated irrigation booms, managed by a specialized technical staff with deep horticultural expertise. The operation strictly adheres to biological integrity, mapping and collecting seed from Ohio's major ecoregions to guarantee localized adaptation. Background The Ohio Division of Forestry was established to conserve, protect, and sustainably manage the state’s forest resources. Since its early years, the division has focused on supporting healthy forests through science-based management, wildfire prevention, public education, and assistance to private woodland owners who collectively hold the majority of Ohio’s forested land. The Division of Forestry started acquiring property for forest management in 1916, and a key initiative at the time was creating a system of state forest reserves aimed at fire protection and showcasing practical forestry models for private landowners. To support these efforts, state-operated nurseries emerged, setting the institutional framework for seedling production. The division operated several state-run nurseries, including locations in Zanesville, Marietta, and near Green Springs. The nursery program was developed to ensure a reliable, affordable source of trees adapted to Ohio’s soils and climate, supporting projects such as wildlife habitat improvement, watershed protection, erosion control, and land restoration. Over time, the nurseries played a key role in statewide reforestation initiatives and served landowners, conservation districts, community groups, and public agencies. However, with industrial demand for wood and paper declining in the late 20th century, Ohio gradually shut down its state nurseries, with the final facility closing in 2008. Despite this, demand for ecological restoration and conservation persisted. Ohio continued to source approximately 1.5 million seedlings annually, predominantly from out-of-state suppliers where Ohio genetics and adaptation were lacking. Recognizing the need to conserve Ohio’s forests with locally sourced seedlings, the Ohio General Assembly passed House Bill 101 to re-establish a state nursery, which was signed by Governor Mike DeWine in January 2024. The new facility was launched in February 2024 at the former Zanesville Nursery site. Today, BSTN produces native and regionally appropriate seedlings that strengthen ecosystems and advance Ohio’s forest conservation goals.
Jul 1, 2026