 What is Growing Native?
Why is Growing Native So Important?
Partners and Sponsors
What is Growing Native?
Volunteers of all ages and backgrounds participate in Growing Native by
collecting native tree seeds across the region. Not only
are participants creating forests for tomorrow, they are
also learning the important connection between healthy, forested lands and clean waters.
Since Growing Native’s inception in 2001,
over 50,250 volunteers have collected more than 150,600
pounds of acorns, walnuts, and other hardwood tree and
shrub seeds. These
seeds
have
generated seedlings that will be used to restore sensitive
streamside lands.
In addition to providing native tree stock, Growing Native builds public awareness of the important connection between healthy, forested lands and clean waters, and what individuals can do to protect them. Click here to learn more.
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Why is Growing Native So Important?
Growing Native evolved out of a need for native hardwood seedlings to support expanding reforestation and restoration efforts in the Potomac River watershed. Maryland and Virginia state nurseries are experiencing a shortage of native seedling stock due to the ever-increasing demand for trees, particularly for new streamside forest projects. To replenish the supply of native seedlings and ensure diversity in the nursery's tree stock, Growing Native was established in 2001. A majority of this program's tree seedlings are used to create diverse and healthy streamside forests, which are key to maintaining and improving water quality and providing wildlife habitat.
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Partners and Sponsors
Growing Native was started in 2001 as a project of the Potomac Watershed Partnership and is managed by Potomac Conservancy. The Ford Foundation generously provides support for this project.
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