Seed conservation can have a variety of goals, depending on the need for each region and population.

One of the key goals in all seed conservation is safeguarding the genetics of a particular species, population, or local adaptation. Seed LA is collecting seeds from locally adapted plants throughout greater Los Angeles area to do just this: conserve the precious remaining native plant populations and habitats. The primary goal of Seed LA is to increase the availability of locally adapted seeds for use regional restoration projects. The vision is that seeds collected may be distributed back to the land owner to sustain the locally adapted species on their land, a portion will be banked in long term storage for gene conservation and/or placed in medium-term storage for distribution to regional habitat enhancement projects.

Seed LA has developed a rigorous Technical Protocol, Collection Policy, and Strategic Plan which encompasses our dedication to scientifically backed methods, a high level of conservation standards, and the vast experience from our partners’ professional work. All of our seed collections take in consideration the impact we have on the ecosystem and we take all precautions to minimize our impact. Our Collection Policy has been highly influenced by the goals set out in the National Seed Strategy, and our Technical Protocol is in line with national seed collecting standards, like the Seeds of Success program. We recommend that all seed collections should be carried out by trained and experienced collectors, in strict adherence to Seed LA’s Technical Protocol.

All collections made by Seed LA require permission from the land managing agency or owner prior to scouting and collecting. Seed LA hopes to build partnerships with land managing agencies throughout the region in order to maximize genetic diversity and build a network of partners who support each others missions to enhance the ecological health of Los Angeles.

Learn more about our Seed Collection policy by accessing it here.