Seed Propagation Program
The Seed Farm — Growing Seed for the Future
At the heart of our program is the Seed Farm, where native plants are cultivated not for agriculture, but specifically to produce seed for natural resource management. Rows of milkweed, grasses, forbs, and shrubs grow under careful stewardship, providing a steady, reliable supply of locally adapted seed for restoration across the Santa Monica Mountains. The Seed Farm makes it possible to produce seed at a scale that wild collections alone could never meet. It also gives us the ability to conserve and multiply rare species, train volunteers and young conservationists in hands-on propagation, and test new methods for germination, pollination, and harvest. Working in partnership with the National Park Service, the Seed Farm has become a cornerstone of our efforts to restore and protect resilient habitats.
Why It Matters
Restoration depends on seed. Fires, floods, and development damage large areas every year, and without enough seed to replant them, recovery simply stalls. Locally adapted seed is especially important because it is tuned to the exact conditions of the mountains—it survives, flowers, and feeds wildlife where it belongs. Propagation also creates a safety net for vulnerable plants. By growing and multiplying their seed, we protect species that might otherwise disappear from the landscape. In short, without seed propagation, restoration in our region cannot keep pace with the challenges of climate change and stressors.
How the Program Works
The process begins with careful seed collection in the wild, following protocols that protect natural populations and preserve genetic diversity. From there, seeds are grown out at the Seed Farm, where they are cultivated in dedicated rows to maximize seed yield. Staff and volunteers tend the plants through weeding, watering, and monitoring growth, ensuring strong harvests. When plants set seed, we harvest at the right time, dry and clean the seed, and test it for viability. Finally, the cleaned seed is stored by ecoregion, ready for restoration projects across public lands or grown into new plants in our nurseries for outplanting.
How You Can Be Part of It
The Seed Farm and propagation program thrive because of community involvement. Volunteers play a vital role by helping plant, weed, or harvest in the fields—no experience is needed, just curiosity and a willingness to get your hands in the soil. Donations keep the program running by funding irrigation, tools, and seed testing. We also welcome collaboration with agencies, schools, and community groups who want to partner on seed production and restoration projects.
The Big Picture
Every seed we grow at the Seed Farm is a step toward recovery—of habitat, of species, and of resilience. By investing in seed propagation today, we are ensuring that future generations inherit thriving mountains, not empty landscapes.
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