Oregon News

J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard contracts Kevin Barnes to propagate improved trees for Oregon’s forests

Share this article

ST. PAUL, Ore. – The Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) contracted Kevin Barnes, grafting specialist, to propagate improved Douglas fir, western hemlock, western larch, and ponderosa pine trees for the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard. Barnes plays a crucial role in propagating improved tree varieties that will produce seeds for replanting clearcuts and areas affected by fire in Oregon.

At the J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard, geneticist Don Kaczmarek uses traditional breeding methods to develop trees for Oregon with characteristics such as increased growth rates, climate adaptability, and resistance to insects and disease. Barnes grafts material from parent trees to a rootstock that provides water and nutrients for growth. “It’s a specialized profession and not a lot of people do what we do,” Barnes said.

“Our hope here at Schroeder is that we can continue to provide a reliable seed source that can help keep Oregon’s forests thriving,” Seed Orchard Manager Casara Nichols said.

Barnes uses a grafting technique that ensures the cambium layers of the plant material align. This alignment is vital for the successful growth of the grafted tree. “When you have an old growth tree that’s 200 ft. tall, cambium acts like a ladder. No matter how tall that tree is, the water and nutrients go up the tree cell by cell from the root system clear to the top of the tree,” Barnes explained. The graft is secured with a 100% natural rubber strip, called a budding strip, which is then sealed with water-based asphalt to protect the union.

“We try to shorten the time from orchard establishment to first cone crops. Trees planted this fall will produce their first cone crops in six to seven years dramatically shortening the time to production of advanced seed compared to trees grown in natural stands,” Kaczmarek said. Trees are grafted in the winter to early spring and orchards are planted in the fall of the same year. It takes roughly seven to 10 months for trees to become established following grafting.

A rich family history in the field backs Barnes’ knowledge of tree grafting. His father, Gerald Barnes, previously managed the Dorena Tree Improvement Center. Through a school trade-learning program, he introduced Kevin and his brother Shawn Barnes, who works for ODF doing seed processing, to the craft. The Barnes family has been instrumental in the development and success of modern orchards across Oregon, and they have worked for the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and private timber companies for over 30 years.

The J.E. Schroeder Seed Orchard is celebrating its 50th anniversary through May. To find more information about the seed orchard, visit www.oregon.gov/odf/working/pages/seed.aspx.

Photos Photos

Contact: Yarrow Cervantes, Public Affairs Officer, 971-719-1216 [email protected]

+ posts

George Custer lives in Oakridge with his wife Sayre. George is a former smokejumper from his hometown of Cave Junction, a former captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. and ran a construction company in Southern California. George assumed the volunteer duties as the Editor of the Highway 58 Herald in 2022. He loves riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, building all things wood, and playing drums on the weekends in his office.

📣 Support Your Local News Publication: Donate to Highway 58 Herald! 📣

The Highway 58 Herald is your trusted source for all things local, from community events to breaking news. But we need your help to keep delivering the stories that matter most to you. Your generous donation ensures we can continue providing in-depth reporting and vibrant coverage of our community.

Every dollar helps us maintain high-quality journalism and keep you informed. Please consider making a donation today and support the voice of our community. Donate today!

Thank you for helping us keep Highway 58 Herald strong and vibrant!

Comments are closed.

Saxon Insurance Medicare Advantage Plans Oakridge Oregon
Lane County Libraries The Power of Partnership throughout Lane County Oregon

graphic: Classifieds

GARAGE SALE: Tell folks about your upcoming garage sale here.

LANDSCAPING SERVICES:  It’s that time of year.  Let everyone know what services you have to offer.

JOB OPENINGS: Need to let the community know that you need help. Post your job openings here.

 

OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE:  Copying, Scanning, Emailing & Faxing Services are now available at The Herald’s office in Oakridge.
CLICK HERE for details.

graphic: Classified Ad Posting is Now Available - For Sale • Help Wanted • Landscaping • Rentals • Homes for sale • Repairs • Remodeling • and More! - Post your classified ad with us today.

Follow H58H on Social Media

The calendar is temporarily disabled due to a rendering error. Please reload the page.