From Seed to Forest
Seedlings are grown from seeds. These seeds are collected from cones in the forest and in seed orchards across California and are typically sourced from trees that are known to have preferred characteristics, such as good growth and disease resistance. Once collected seeds are processed at our Seed Center, which is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment where they are cleaned, processed and stored. Germination occurs after the seeds have been sown and are in the greenhouse for 1-3 weeks. Germination rate for conifer seeds ranges widely. Good seed germinates at above 90%. Seedlings are in the greenhouse at the nursery for at least six months before being provided to forest landowners – public and private – and other organizations involved in reforestation. The seedlings are then planted in the forest in the appropriate geographic area that the seed was sourced from. By planting seedlings, it increases survivability rates in the forest compared to natural seeding, reduces waste of seed, and helps restore forest conditions more quickly. Every year, millions of seedlings are planted by private and public forestland owners in the west. SPI alone plants three trees for every one we harvest. Annually we plant between 7-9 million seedlings across our forestlands. However, in years following significant wildfires, we will plant upwards of 12 million seedlings. This work provides for an on-going cycle that supports the health, resilience, and productivity of forests.
