The Nebraska Forest Service in cooperation with the Nebraska Environmental Trust Fund and the National Wild Turkey Federation has purchased a tree seed planter, tractor and trailer to help property owners establish nut tree plantings by seeding locally gathered walnut, oak, hickory and other nut seeds. Plantings will be in the fall after native nut seeds are collected in September. This equipment will be available for use by Nebraska Forest Service foresters and other natural resource professionals across the state to help establish tree plantings by seed on public and private properties. With the availability of this portable equipment, wildlife habitat plantings, timber and conservation plantings will be established in all parts of the state. For wildlife habitat, nut tree plantings are important for a number of reasons.
Many wildlife species depend on nut crops each year for fall and winter food sources.
Finally from an environmental benefit aspect, nut trees like oaks, hickories and walnuts are the longest lived trees in Nebraska and are expected to live over 200 years on the better sites. In many locations, quality oak woodlands are disappearing. Oak seedlings are difficult to establish and it is hoped that by planting the acorn nuts that survival success will be increased. Black walnut timber plantings are successfully established by planting nuts rather than seedlings. Black walnut, pecan, hazelnuts, several oak species and hickories can be planted for a mixed nut tree planting in the eastern part of Nebraska.