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.