CEDAR RAPIDS -- Iowa’s State Forest Nursery is in need of walnuts to propagate walnut seedlings this coming year, and is offering $2.50 per bushel.
A Cedar Rapids area buying station is set up temporarily to accommodate residents in east-central Iowa. Residents have two options. Beginning Sept. 28, baskets will be available at Squaw Creek Park to donate walnuts during park hours. For those who would like to be paid, a nursery employee will be on site each Wednesday (Sept 28, Oct 5, Oct 12) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to pay for the nuts. Squaw Creek Park is located at the intersections of Highway 100 and Highway 13. The drop-off site will be at the maintenance shop located at 4351 Squaw Lane in Marion.
The other buying stations include the State Forest Nursery in Ames (800-865-2477), Shimek State Forest (319-878-3811) in Farmington, Stephens State Forest (641-774-4559) in Chariton and Yellow River State Forest (563-586-2090) in Harpers Ferry. To schedule a time to drop off walnuts at these sites, call the appropriate location weekdays, during normal business hours. Walnuts will be purchased until the nursery’s need is met.
The nuts should be fresh and in good condition, free of debris like sticks and leaves. Hulls do not need to be removed and nuts can be brought to the buying station in buckets, boxes or loose in a trailer or pickup box.
The state forest nursery provides low-cost, native seedlings to help improve existing woodlands, wildlife habitat and water quality. For more information on available nursery stock for your property, visit iowadnr.gov/nursery or call the nursery at 1-800-865-2477.