Project Profile: Produce Seed for Intermountain Grasslands

A volunteer collects Indian ricegrass seed at Great Sand Dunes National Park.

NPS Photo

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
National Seed Strategy | FY23 $50,000

The National Park Service and organizations of the Southwest Seed Partnership will implement the National Seed Strategy and associated revegetation and restoration efforts in grassland ecosystems in Intermountain Region parks. The project focuses on native plant development and involves collecting, producing, cleaning, testing, tracking, and storing seeds from native species. As a result, twelve parks in five states will have significantly increased access to native seed-related technical assistance, collection, production, and storage.

Why? This project contributes to the reliable availability of genetically appropriate seed suitable for current and projected climatic conditions and increases restoration success. Through research, technical support, collaboration, and education, this project advances the preservation of natural resources and ecological values.

What else? Healthy native plant communities are an essential foundation for ecosystem integrity and diversity and partnerships are critical for success. This project is a collaboration with the Institute for Applied Ecology and supports the National Park Service and partners in the Southwest Seed Partnership implement the National Seed Strategy and “get the right seed, in the right place, at the right time.”

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration

This project was made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law – Ecosystem Restoration, signed on November 15, 2021. It is a historic investment in the restoration and protection of the environment.