Collaborators in Forestry: Roserim Nursery

As part of its Collaborators in Forestry series, Central Chilcotin Rehabilitation Ltd. (CCR) is highlighting Roserim Nursery and its role in growing native shrubs and deciduous trees that support rehabilitation projects across the region.

The nursery is family-owned and operated near Canim Lake. Meg and her family have owned it for seven years, building on more than 35 years of nursery history in the region. The team grows a range of conifer and deciduous trees, including Douglas fir, pine, cedar, aspen, cottonwood, and alder. It has also recently partnered with Secwepemcul'ecw Restoration and Stewardship Society to expand annual growing capacity from two million to four million plants, supported by new greenhouses and related infrastructure.

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CCR’s relationship with the nursery expanded from previous projects to include deciduous trees and culturally significant shrubs in their restoration projects. Ann Nielsen of Consus Management Ltd. and Daniel Persson, Forestry Superintendent with CCR, visited the nursery after Ann reached out while looking for aspen for CCR projects. During the visit, Meg shared some of the experimental shrub work underway at the site, which opened the door to a broader conversation about how the nursery could support CCR’s rehabilitation efforts.

For CCR projects, the nursery has grown aspen, red osier dogwood, Oregon grape, Saskatoon berry, and soopolallie. The team is also working with snowberry, sumac, ash, yarrow, chokecherry, and willow. These plants are an important part of restoration because they help create more diverse and resilient ecosystems. They also bring cultural and ecological value, especially when planted alongside forest species.

“We believe planting native shrubs and deciduous species alongside forest species helps to create a biodiverse and resilient ecosystem that in turn supports our communities,” said Meg.

The process begins well before the plants are ready to leave the nursery. When seeds cannot be purchased, the team collects them by hand. This is done carefully by selectively picking, leaving berries and seeds on the landscape, and avoiding damage to the plants.

The seeds are then processed, cleaned, dried, stored, and treated through stratification, which mimics winter conditions to help break seed dormancy. From there, they are planted into styroblocks in early spring, then fed, watered, and monitored throughout the year until harvest in late fall.

For CCR, this collaboration supports long-term forest recovery, plant diversity, and community values. It also reflects the importance of working with partners who understand the care involved to grow native plants for restoration.

When asked what stood out about working with CCR, Meg said, “We found their sense of excitement to be contagious!”

By sharing this feature, CCR recognizes the important role nurseries play before planting begins. CCR thanks Meg and her team for their care, knowledge, and continued support in growing native shrubs and deciduous trees for projects across the region.