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.

The Native Seed Center also serves as a living example for visitors. We demonstrate what biodiversity and ecological gardening look like in action, and 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.