Native Seed Collection & Propagation
Focusing on both conservation and access, Wild Seed Project ethically hand-collects and distributes seeds from over 100 species of Northeast native plants each year.
The Native Seed Center
A hub for conservation at Turkey Hill Farm
In order to expand access to genetically-diverse northeast native seeds, Wild Seed Project has started building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm. The Native Seed Center serves as a hub for our conservation efforts and native seed stewardship work.
What we do:
At the Native Seed Center, we collect and propagate seeds from every plant, generation after generation, building genetic diversity across each population, passing down adaptations, and growing a climate resilient future.
Our plants are grown outdoors in living seed banks. Collecting and sharing genetically-diverse native seeds, and seed-grown plants, increases the genetic diversity in our region, broadening the range of tolerated conditions; strengthening local food webs; and cultivating resilience to a wide range of stressors including extreme weather, herbivory, non-native pests, and pathogens.
Serving as a living example for visitors, the Native Seed Center demonstrates what biodiversity and ecological gardening look like in action. We equip visitors and volunteers with practical skills to bring these practices back to their communities, and contribute to the return of native plants to our landscapes.
Our Greenhouse Build
Our greenhouse doesn’t house plants! We use this space for seed production work and educational programming.
