This facility is a critical component of the New Mexico Reforestation Center and will assist not only New Mexico, but the mountain west, in re-planting the forests affected by wildfire devastation. Learn more about the New Mexico Reforestation Center here.

A key step in this process is the careful extraction of seeds from harvested pine cones. Cones are collected throughout New Mexico and the Southwest and brought to the facility in bushel bags. These bags are placed on racks in the cone drying facility, aptly named the “Cone Cathedral.” The Cone Cathedral uses solar orientation and passive drying methods to dry the cones until they are ready. Seeds are then extracted using a series of specialized machinery in the processing room. This processing space relies on flexibility and adaptability to support an efficient workflow.

Extracted seeds are stored in Cold Storage until they are ready to be planted, creating a long-term reserve capable of supporting the replanting of wildfire-affected landscapes for decades to come.

The facility also provides offices for seed extraction staff and a seed testing laboratory on the north side of the building, oriented toward views of the nearby mountains. These workspaces connect the daily work of research and processing to the landscapes the facility ultimately serves, supporting the regeneration of forests across New Mexico and the greater Southwest.