Project Profile: Alaska Native Vegetation and Seed Collection

Wild Geranium at Kenai Fjords National Park.

NPS Photo

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
National Seed Strategy | FY23-24 $197,250

The National Park Service in partnership with the newly formed Alaska Native Plant Materials Working Group comprised of federal, state and private individuals and groups will increase seed capacity and use of native vegetation throughout the state. The project includes collection, cleaning, storage, and potential propagation of plants and seeds for use in restoration projects, including riparian restoration around salmon habitat.

Why? The availability of native seeds in Alaska is limited. Most seeds are imported from the lower 48 states or are gathered locally as projects arise. Increasing the varieties of plant species collected, and number of seeds collected for each species will support a more sustainable approach to restoration of native plant communities.

What Else? This project facilitates the shift to a more sustainable method for native seed management in Alaska and supports the National Seed Strategy. Restoration of disturbed freshwater systems and hazard mines sites are priority locations for use of local native seed.

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.