We increase the availability of native seed for restoration in New Mexico and Arizona
Seed conservation is essential in the Southwest where issues like wildfire, overgrazing, mining, and energy development threaten plant populations. Demand for native seed is increasing, but few farmers in New Mexico are working to increase the supply and availability of this seed. With a reliable supply of ecologically appropriate seed, southwestern restoration could be more successful.
BACKGROUND
The Southwest Seed Partnership (SWSP) arose in October 2015 to establish a network for native, genetically appropriate seeds while advocating for a new industry standard. Parallel to the National Seed Strategy, the vision of this collaborative effort is to assess and prioritize plant populations, to collect and track wild seed, and to collaborate and coordinate with farmers and conservationists in order to increase the commercial availability of genetically diverse, locally sourced seed for restoration, rehabilitation, and reclamation projects in the Southwest. The SWSP hopes to support the native seed industry by consolidating demand and acting as a liaison between consumers and seed producers.
SWSP Seed Collection Locations 2015-2023
SWSP Steering Committee Members 2024
Gita Bodner, The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Josh Busemeyer, New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT)
Kathryn Kennedy, US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Justin Ladd, Arizona Game and Fish Department
Maria Mullins, Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
Jennifer Owen-White, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Katie Sandbom, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS)
Laura Shriver, United States Geological Survey (USGS)
Anita Thompson, University of Arizona
Katie Vinzant, National Park Service (NPS)
Kelly Wolff, Arizona Game and Fish Department
SWSP Partners
We are grateful to our partners who have made this possible. Our success is defined by collaboration.
