This project will be used for a new greenhouse for seedling grafting and to replace aging equipment like a tractor and skid steer

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $500,000 to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources on January 29, 2026, under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Act Nursery Vegetation program (CFDA 10.736) to construct a new greenhouse for seedling grafting and replace aging equipment including a tractor and skid steer at the Vallonia State Tree Nursery.

The Vallonia State Tree Nursery, operated by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry, produces seedlings for private landowners to reforest areas affected by disasters, pests, diseases, and to restore marginal agricultural land and riparian buffers. The equipment and facility improvements will enhance operational efficiency and productivity at the nursery, supporting the implementation of the National Seed Strategy for Rehabilitation and Restoration. The work aligns with the Forest Service Reforestation Strategy, which prioritizes partnerships with states and tribes to accelerate reforestation efforts, collaborate on seed collection and production, and invest in infrastructure to scale up reforestation capacity. Enhanced seedling supply and diversity from the modernized facility will support post-harvest and post-fire land management and expand American timber production.

Performance occurs in Indiana with an ultimate completion date of June 30, 2029. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is the ultimate recipient; the award flows through the State of Indiana as the parent grant recipient entity.

This project will implement the national seed strategy for rehabilitation and restoration. Funding supports state and tribal facilities in purchasing equipment and replacing aging infrastructure to improve the operational efficiency and productivity of reforestation nurseries and seed orchards. The vallonia state tree nursery, run by the indiana department of natural resources division of forestry produces seedlings for private landowner to reforest after disasters, pests and diseases, or to restore marginal agricultural land and riparian buffers. Activities align to priority goals described in the forest service reforestation strategy, which calls for partnerships with states and tribes to accelerate reforestation efforts, collaborate to collect and produce high quality seed, and invest in infrastructure to scale up reforestation. Activities support the immediate expansion of american timber production by enhancing the diversity and supply of reforestation materials which are necessary for post harvest and post fire land management to ensure future productivity and supply of wood products.