WWF-Canada Funds 13 Native Seed Projects to Help Wildlife

Thirteen funded projects will boost native plant supply to restore wildlife habitats and fight climate change

TORONTO — WWF-Canada is ramping up its nationwide seed orchard program this spring, awarding grants to 13 First Nations, conservation groups, and businesses across five provinces to help restore ecosystems and boost the native plant supply in Canada.

The selected projects will support the establishment and expansion of seed orchards—dedicated native plant nurseries that grow seeds for eco-restoration purposes. These seeds are essential for rebuilding habitats, improving biodiversity, and storing carbon, especially as climate change accelerates and species loss continues across the country.

“Restoring healthy habitats isn’t possible without these locally-sourced seeds,” said Ryan Godfrey, Specialist, Community Action, WWF-Canada. “We’re excited to work with this amazing group of grantees and partners to bring restoration projects to life.”

Grants were awarded to organizations from British Columbia to New Brunswick, including:

Sioux Valley Dakota Nation (Manitoba) – Establishing seed orchards and training youth in seed collection on traditional territory.
Bruce Trail Conservancy (Ontario) – Expanding restoration efforts along the Niagara Escarpment.
Redd Fish River Society (British Columbia) – Creating Canada’s first kelp orchard for coastal restoration.
Paysages Écologiques (Quebec) – Launching a new native plant nursery near Montreal.
Fredericton Botanical Gardens Association (New Brunswick) – Growing awareness and the native seed supply in New Brunswick.

Additional recipients include Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, Caldwell First Nation, Hidden Habitat, Matawa First Nations Management, Northern Wildflowers, Satinflower Nursery, and Streamside Native Plants.

WWF-Canada’s research shows that millions—if not billions—of native plants are needed to restore ecosystems at scale. Since its launch in 2021, the seed orchard program has supported 20 orchard sites in Ontario, planting 35,500 native plants and harvesting over 70 kilograms of seed from 142 species.

Unlike wild-harvested seeds, which can strain natural ecosystems, seed orchards grow plants specifically for restoration, preserving wild populations while producing large volumes of ecologically adapted seeds. Native species also play a critical role in supporting pollinators and other wildlife while helping ecosystems capture and store carbon from the atmosphere.

The seed orchard program is made possible through support from the Barrett Family Foundation.

For those looking to get involved, WWF-Canada encourages Canadians to grow native plants in their own gardens or schoolyards and share seeds with others. Free how-to resources are available at wwf.ca/regrow.

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