OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Metz were the first to plant seeds in Ohio's first, and only, tree-seedling nursery on Tuesday. 

DeWine signed a bill to create the Buckeye State Tree Nursery during the first week of February. 

“The opening of the Buckeye State Tree Nursery is a huge step toward protecting and replenishing forests across Ohio,” said DeWine in a news release. “Planting trees is an investment into our state’s future, and by growing the seedlings right here in the Buckeye State, we are making that future even brighter for our children and grandchildren.”

The Buckeye State Tree Nursery will help address regional shortages of suitable seedlings, assist with tree conservation projects and invest in the future of the state's forests. It's located on ODNR's Division of Forestry property where the Zanesville Nursery, which closed in 2003, used to be located.

The tree-seedling nursery, which was approved by the Ohio General Assembly with House Bill 101, will be operated by ODNR. It'll also support several ODNR projects, such as H2Ohio, the Girl Scout Tree Promise and reclamation of abandoned mine land. 

“We are always looking for more ways to plant trees and spread their beauty here in Ohio,” said Mertz in a news release. “By starting the homegrown seedling process and working with our partners across the state, we’ll be able to put more conservation projects into motion and increase the quality of life for people in our communities.”

The goal is for the nursery to grow hardwood producing trees including oak, hickory, black walnut, sycamore and America chestnut.

The trees planted Tuesday will take between one to two years to grow large enough for distribution. In time, trees from the nursery will be available for purchase by the public.

Lydia Taylor contributed to this report.