OHIO — Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill this week that will create the state's only tree-seedling nursery. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the Buckeye State Tree Nursery in Zanesville will help address regional shortages of tree seedlings

  • The overall goal is to help with conservation and invest in the state's forests

  • It'll also support several ODNR projects, such as H2Ohio, the Girl Scout Tree Promise and reclamation of abandoned mine land

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources said the Buckeye State Tree Nursery in Zanesville will help address regional shortages of tree seedlings, invest in the future of the state's forests and help with integral tree conservation projects. 

“We are constantly striving to enhance conservation within Ohio’s forests,” DeWine said. “This nursery helps us in that mission by improving access to Ohio-grown tree seedlings and expanding the supply for our many tree planting initiatives.”

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. 

“The Buckeye State Tree Nursery will address a region-wide shortage of quality seedlings for conservation projects, and it will help build a better supply of genetically suitable seedlings for planting in Ohio,” ODNR Division of Forestry Chief Dan Balser said.

ODNR said the shortage has forced conservationists to purchase seedlings from out-of-state nurseries. The Buckeye State Tree Nursery will provide faster production times and larger distribution, as well as high-quality seedlings.