Iowans who want to mimic squirrels for a few hours can make some decent money. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ forestry bureau needs certain types of acorns for the state forest nursery in Ames, where Roger Jacob is manager. Jacob says Swamp White Oak acorns go for 50-dollars per bushel, while they’re also buying Green Ash, Shellbark Hickory and Shagbark Hickory acorns for between five and 20-dollars a bushel. He explains what’s being done with all of those nuts.They’ll be stored in the cooler, Jacob says, until they’re planted and mulched, “then we’ll get a tree next year.” In fact, the state forest nursery produces between five and six-million trees every year, which are used by the state, conservation groups and landowners statewide. He says there used to be a lot more trees in the state than there are now, and they’re trying to grow more. He says the trees help keep silt and runoff out of rivers. Acorns are being accepted at several locations, including the state forest nurseries in Ames and Montrose, and at the following state forests: Yellow River, Shimek, Stephens and Loess Hills. For more information, call 800-865-2477.
