Native Plant Materials Program
Photo of SGI’s Native Plant Materials Program staff and volunteers cleaning native seeds at the seed laboratory.
about
Locally Adapted plant materialsfor Southeastern Grassland Restoration
The Southeastern Grasslands Institute’s Native Plant Materials (NPM) Program is working to solve a major challenge in restoration across the Southeast: the lack of locally adapted native seed and plant materials. The program began through SGI’s leadership role in the federal Seeds of Success (SOS) initiative and has grown into a comprehensive effort supporting every stage of the native seed supply chain.
From wild collection and banking to seed production, research, and on-the-ground use, SGI is building a stronger, more connected seed system across the region.
Seed Banking
SGI’s Native Plant Materials Program works across our focal region to support partners in efforts to save more seed and protect native biodiversity. Plants and their seeds form the foundation for our restoration and research efforts, and for the wildlife that depend on plants for food, shelter, and healthy environments. Our work is informed by our Tribal Liaison Katie Smith-Easter who advises us on the incorporation of Indigenous perspectives and practices into the culture of our seed saving and sharing network and programs.
Major projects and initiatives
Below are listed our main research projects and collaborators at this time.
current projects - 2025
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SGI’s GIS and planning tools support the entire seed cycle. From scouting to seed distribution, our data systems connect collection with restoration and provide clear, actionable information for SGI and its partners. These tools are co-developed with SGI’s Restoration and Research teams to ensure alignment and ease of use.
GIS tools that track seed movement from field to end use internal processes, from scouting to end use are in development. Seed bank inventory management systems are being developed. SGI is leading the creation of a Southeast Native Seed Network digital information hub.
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At the core of this work is partnership. SGI leads the Southeast Native Seed Network (SENSN), a collaborative platform that brings together nonprofits, agencies, producers, tribal partners, researchers, and grassroots groups. Together, we build shared tools, align regional priorities, and support system-wide solutions for native seed supply.
Major SENSN partners and initiatives, hopefully a link to a SENSN dedicated site soon.
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At our Seed Bank and Laboratory housed at Austin Peay State University, we store ecotype-specific native seed connected to active restoration and research priorities. This facility supports short-term storage, protects genetic diversity, and provides flexibility for seed use and distribution. We are working to expand access for partners and enhance viability testing, inventory tracking, and data management.
Highlights: include number of collections taken in, stored, and/or reinvested into the landscape
Include rare species banked for conservation and potential reintroduction at future appropriate sites. Center for Plant Conservation connection here.
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Processing is where raw collections become usable seed. SGI is building capacity for small-scale seed cleaning, with a focus on maintaining seed quality and genetic integrity. Our work also supports training for staff, partners, and volunteers, and fills key infrastructure gaps in the region.
Current capacity and volunteer engagement leading to such and so collections cleaned.
Potential new partnership with SOS to expand cleaning capacity.
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Our long-term production goals include generating foundation seed for growers, producing seed from underrepresented species, and growing plugs for direct restoration. We also support applied research that explores seed production techniques, sustainable agricultural practices, and inclusive models that reduce barriers to participation in the native seed economy.
SGI is committed to investing in foundation seed for growers, applied research, increased regional seed production, and sustainable native plant agricultural production methods.
All tools and gloves are provided, but feel free to bring your own favorites;
This is a public university setting and facilities are provided;
This is a public university and parking can be tricky the first time (confirmation email will guide you);
Be prepared to adopt a native plant to take home; if it is in the path, it's got to go!
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SGI collects native seed from high-priority species and landscapes, aligning with restoration needs and regional goals. Collections include both federally supported Seeds of Success (SOS) efforts and targeted non-SOS projects that expand biodiversity and support long-term ecosystem resilience.
Highlights: include SOS collections (BLM and FWS partnership), PIF collections (NRCS partnership), and SOS SE Collections (with collection partners listed)
“This seed program means a great deal to me. It is not just about collecting and storing seed. It is about restoring ecosystems, supporting the people who care for them, and investing in the future of our landscapes. Every part of this work, from collection to community engagement, carries purpose. I am proud to be part of something that brings so many partners together for a cause that truly matters.”
Ways to support
The Southeastern Grasslands Institute grassland research program team benefits from community support in many ways. Every hour spent volunteering, every time a new publication is shared, every conservation win that is celebrated, and every dollar donated helps us make strides in preserving biodiversity and improving seed access in the southeast!
Share the message on social media
Help SGI spread the word about conservation practices by following us and sharing our content on social media. Every like and every share helps raise awareness of our important work to save southeastern grasslands. Click the icons below to find our pages!
Donate
Every donation counts in supporting our work to preserve the biodiversity of southeastern grasslands with hands-on sustainable and regenerative restoration and seed saving work. The following link will take you to a link to donate to SGI, and we are very grateful for your support of our work.
In-Kind Donations
The SGI restoration team benefits immensely from in-kind donations. These can be equipment, matching funds, or matching restoration efforts. Please select the drop down for descriptions of in-kind donation needs, and please contact Jeremy French (Chris Oberholster?) if you have an in-kind donation you would like to make to SGI.
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Link to a Google Doc with a list of equipment needs
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Drop down with donor centered language about matching funds use
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Drop down with private landowner centered language about matching restoration effort for partnership purposes/grant purposes