
Pine Cones in Your Yard? Here’s How to Turn Them Into Cash Right Now in MN
There likely isn't much snow, but maybe you have a bunch of pine cones in your yard in Minnesota right now. Did you know that instead of bagging them up or taking them to the compost site, you could turn them into cash?
While it might sound like the opening line from some cheesy infomercial, it's true. If you have extra pine cones in your yard, the Minnesota DNR could PAY you for them!
It's not too often the trees in your yard can make you money, but that's the case now if you have an excess of jack pine and black spruce cones in your yard. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Nursery says it's all part of their plan to keep Minnesota's state forests healthy and strong and assist in reforestation efforts across the state.
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I first heard about the program last winter. It's pretty cool: The DNR buys cones from citizens across the state which they then use those cones to help reseed over 5,000 acres of forests here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes.
They're currently paying between $20 - $150 a bushel, depending on the type of cone, the DNR said. And, while the DNR is specifically looking for those cones right now, did you know the DNR regularly buys seeds and cones from a variety of other trees? They do. But before you head out to your yard and start picking up various cones and seeds, the DNR says there are a few restrictions.
You'll want to first check in with the DNR forestry office nearest you before you collect any cones or seeds. They can give you a list of tree species they're accepting, as well as quantities and the dates and times seeds will be purchased. You can find more information about the program, including a list of drop-off locations as well as current prices the DNR is pay, HERE.

The DNR has also produced a video on what to look if you're heading out to collect some of those pine cones. And while you're out there foraging, beware of snakes. Wait, what? While the North Star State may not be known as a state with a lot of snakes (like some out west are), did you know there are 17 species of snakes that call Minnesota home? Keep scrolling to check 'em out!
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