Tree Research Center

TRC Road Sign photo 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 Photo

Randy Klevickas
Resident Farm Manager
(517) 353-2036
klevicka@msu.edu

Oversees general administration, facility maintenance, and nursery management. Assists research projects.
 
   
Paul Bloese Photo

Paul Bloese
Research Manager
(517) 353-2036
bloese@msu.edu

Statewide Tree Improvement Program Supervisor and greenhouse manager. Coordinates and conducts research projects.
 
   
Students Working Photo Student Employees
Provide hands-on assistance with TRC operations. Forestry students are encouraged to contact a staff member regarding employment opportunities.
 
 

Facilities
Aerial Photo of TRC

  • 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
    Map of TRC location 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)

    • Links

  • 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

    • Contact Us:
    Randy Klevickas or Paul Bloese
    Michigan State University
    Department of Forestry
    126 Natural Resources Building
    East Lansing, MI 48824-1222
    (517) 353-2036