Lakehead Region Conservation Authority’s Seeds for Conservation (SFC) program sustainably harvests seeds native to Northwestern Ontario from LRCA’s Conservation Areas. The importance of the SFC program stems from the inability to source native seeds or plants in Thunder Bay for local restoration initiatives. Locally adapted, wild harvested seeds are better able to withstand the harsh winters in the region and have coevolved with the pollinators and wildlife reliant on these plants for food and shelter.
Seeds for Conservation harvests, sorts and stratifies seed over the winter, then raises them in the LRCA greenhouse, to later be planted as part of ongoing stewardship projects. These seeds and plants require less maintenance and excel in restoration settings. These stewardship projects focus on habitat restoration within the Lakehead Watershed, ranging from riparian revegetation, wetland recreation, to meadow landscapes.
Stay tuned for our spring public plant sale! Seeds are also available throughout the year on our webstore.