Eastern Shore Seed Stewards
EC’s annual native seed harvesting process starts in the summer and continues through the fall. The nursery specialists collect seeds from herbaceous plants, shrubs, and trees planted on EC’s campus. We harvest in our backyard – a practice that generated the idea to teach gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts how to collect seed in their backyard gardens.
The Eastern Shore Seed Stewards initiative is an extension of the Seed Stewards for Monarchs program. EC is educating the community about growing native plants, plant identification, and native plant seed harvesting. Seed Stewards collect seeds to propagate and grow in their gardens, and donate a percentage of their seeds to EC. This activity is appropriate for all ages – from 4 to 94. Families, garden clubs, 4-H groups, neighbors, church groups, and all Eastern Shore communities and organizations are welcome to join the program. Your participation will increase habitat for all native creatures that need the food, cover, and protection that the native plants provide on shorelines and in rain gardens, pollinator gardens, and wetlands. EC benefits from the generous seed donations from the Seed Stewards, and the Seed Stewards receive discounts on plants, seed harvesting education programs, and invitations to appreciation events. If your seeds are healthy, and they can be identified as true native seeds, you will receive an Eastern Shore Habitat Sign for your garden.
A donation of $10 is requested to support the program and to fund the signs. Click on the Support Us button above to make your donation.
Click here to join our Eastern Shore Seed Stewards program.
Once we receive your sign up form, we will email more information, including an ESSS application.