Tree Research Center

The Tree Research Center (TRC), Kellogg Forest, and the Upper Peninsula Tree Improvement Center make up the MSU Forestry Department’s primary field research stations. Each unit provides unique facilities to conduct forestry research, education, and outreach activities. The Tree Research Center is the department’s on-campus field unit, and is part of the East Lansing Field Research Facilities of the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station.

In 1963, the MSU Forestry Department established the 30 acre Tree Research Center after its campus Bogue Nursery was closed to make room for new dormitory construction. The TRC is located 3 miles south of main campus and includes administrative and storage buildings, greenhouses, a two acre nursery, and numerous field plantations. The land base expanded in 1982 when one hundred acres of field and woodlands at the adjacent Sandhill Research Area became available for department use.

The Tree Research Center continues a proud tradition of forest nursery operations started in 1903. We invite you to take a moment to learn more about our facility and the work accomplished here. Please join us by beginning with a nostalgic look at the MSU Forestry Department’s nursery history here.

Staff

	Randy Klevickas Resident Farm Manager (517) 353-2036 klevicka@msu.edu
	Oversees general administration, facility maintenance, and nursery management. Assists research projects.
	Paul Bloese Research Manager 36 Natural Resources (517) 353-2036 bloese@msu.edu
	Statewide Tree Improvement Program Supervisor and greenhouse manager. Coordinates and conducts research projects.
	Student Employees
	Hands-on assistance with TRC operations. Forestry students are encouraged to contact a staff member regarding employment opportunities.

Facilities

Main administration building with office, shop, storage area, and walk-in coolers

Headhouse/greenhouse complex with 5,376 sq. ft. of controlled environment growing area

Lath house and hoop house structures for seedling conditioning and over winter storage

Two acre irrigated nursery

Over 100 acres of field and woodland research area

Two storage barns. A full complement of equipment and supplies, agriculture implements, specialized nursery and forestry equipment to support research

On-site manager’s residence

Research/Teaching/Outreach

Each year, more than 20,000 trees are grown in the TRC’s combined nursery/greenhouse system for forestry research. There are approximately 70 acres of field plantations at the TRC and Sandhill Research Area as well as several hundred acres of plantings located at outlying properties. The following highlights outline the research, teaching, and outreach activities conducted at the Tree Research Center:

Classroom, field lab, and research work by faculty, undergraduate, and graduate students

Outreach/extension workshops, tours, and learning programs for the general public, professional organizations, and school groups

Forest genetics program spanning over 50 years. 350 plantations located throughout the state

30 year hybrid poplar and biomass research program

Development of Accelerated Optimal Growth greenhouse technology

On-going Christmas tree research, including Scotch pine genetics trials, cultural systems, and true fir species trial

Dendroremediation research for Michigan’s brownfield restoration

On-going studies of wood utilization and treatments

Forest disease and insect research, including the current emerald ash borer challenge

Basic and applied forest ecology research for sustainable forestry

Visitors

The Tree Research Center is open Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm. It is closed during all holidays observed by the University. Visitors are welcome and tours are available by appointment. Please call ahead at 517-353-2036.

Directions
The Tree Research Center is located at the corner of Jolly and Hagadorn roads, about 3 miles south of main campus.

From I-96, take exit 110 and drive north on Okemos road 1/8 mile. Turn left (west) on Jolly Road and drive 1.5 miles to the Tree Research Center (on your left)

From I-496/127, take exit 11 and drive east on Dunckel Road 1/8 mile. Turn south on Collins Road and drive ½ mile to Jolly Road. Turn left (east) on Jolly Road and proceed 2 miles to the Tree Research Center (on your right)

Link

Forest Nursery Management

Woody Plant Seed Manual

The RNGR Team, USDA Forest Service Reforestation, Nursery, and Genetics Resources

MDNR Directory of Michigan Seedling Nurseries

National Tree Seed Laboratory

Shrub & Tree Seed Vendors