Region 3 (AZ & NM) Ponderosa Pine Cone Collection

In the fall of 2023, the NAU Greenhouse collected Ponderosa Pine cones from three different National Forests across Northern Arizona in conjunction with New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU) to add to the New Mexico (NM) Reforestation Center’s Conifer Seed Bank for future restoration and research purposes at universities across AZ and NM. Approximately 30 bushels of cones were harvested yielding about 20 pounds of ponderosa seed was harvested from 6 sites in the mid to lower elevation areas of the ponderosa pine habitat range of 5,000 ft to 7,500 ft. These seeds will be used in restoration, as well as population and mother tree level studies.

Plant species: Four Corners Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa subsp. brachyptera)

Funding source: NM Reforestation Center Cone Collection Program

Collaborators: NAU, NMHU, NMRC

Participants:
Adair Patterson, NAU Greenhouse Manager
Nicholas Quayle, NAU Greenhouse Assistant Manager
Dr. Aalap Dixit, NMHU Assistant Professor of Forestry, NAU Adjust Assistant Professor of Forestry
Dr. Josh Sloan, NMHU Associate Professor of Forestry