The Chicago Botanic Garden is playing a crucial role in preserving native seeds in the Midwest, where climate change is intensifying the demand for these seeds. Marty Landorf, along with other volunteers, carefully clean, count, and sort seeds in the garden’s seed bank preparation lab. Each seed is unique, with some having hooks, others being microscopic, and some carrying distinct scents. These seeds, native to the Midwest, have evolved over thousands of years to sustain the region’s ecosystems, making them essential for restoring prairies, wetlands, and woodlands across the nation.
In response to the shortage of native seeds, the Chicago Botanic Garden launched the Midwest Native Seed Network in 2024. This network consists of 300 restoration ecologists, land managers, and seed growers from 150 institutions in 11 states. Their goal is to research which species are most needed, where they will thrive, and how they can be produced at scale for restoration projects. By focusing on seed collection, processing, germination, and propagation, the network aims to address the shortage of native seeds that hinders habitat restoration efforts.
A recent survey conducted by the network revealed that over 500 native species in the Midwest are effectively unavailable for restoration. This scarcity is due to a lack of growers, high costs, and technical challenges in germinating certain species. The network aims to connect organizations in need of seeds with those who can grow them, facilitating the exchange of knowledge and resources to streamline the seed supply chain.
Despite efforts by federal agencies to increase the availability of native seeds after wildfires in the West in 2001, the shortage persists. The Chicago Botanic Garden and its partners are working to bridge this gap by collaborating on research, sharing expertise, and identifying regional needs. As wildfires continue to devastate millions of acres in the U.S., the demand for native seeds will only increase, making the work of the Midwest Native Seed Network even more crucial in preserving the region’s biodiversity and ecosystems. In 2020, the Bureau of Land Management took a significant step in rehabilitating burned landscapes by purchasing approximately 1.5 million pounds of seed. During particularly bad fire years, the agency can acquire up to 10 million pounds of seed to aid in the restoration process.
The bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021 allocated $1.4 billion over five years for ecosystem restoration efforts, with $200 million specifically designated for the National Seed Strategy. This strategy, established in 2015, is a collaboration among 12 federal agencies and private partners aimed at providing genetically diverse native seeds for restoration projects. Additionally, the Inflation Reduction Act in the following year provided nearly $18 million to develop an interagency seed bank for native seeds. In 2024, the Interior Department announced an initial investment of $1 million for a national seed bank dedicated to native plants.
Despite the existence of a major seed bank for crops run by the Department of Agriculture, the U.S. lacks a similar infrastructure for native seeds. Momentum for establishing a native seed bank was hindered by funding cuts during the Trump administration. In early 2025, the National Plant Germplasm System experienced a 10 percent reduction in staff, impacting one of the world’s largest and most diverse plant collections.
In response to the need for native seed conservation, efforts have been initiated at the state and regional levels. The Midwest, in particular, has seen the launch of a network focused on connecting individuals with access to seeds to those in need. The network, spearheaded by the Chicago Botanic Garden, aims to address the lack of native seed infrastructure in the region.
While the Midwest network is a first of its kind in the region, similar initiatives have been established across the country, with over 25 networks currently active in the U.S. These coalitions have primarily emerged in response to post-wildfire restoration projects in the western United States.
Elizabeth Lager, a professor at the University of Nevada in Reno and co-founder of the Nevada Native Seed Partnership, emphasized the importance of such networks in regions with significant federal land ownership. In the West, over 90 percent of federal land is concentrated in 11 states, prompting the need for collaborative efforts to conserve native seeds.
Andrea Kramer, senior director of restoration at the Chicago Botanic Garden, expressed optimism for the future of native seed availability. She envisions a future where access to all the necessary seeds for restoration projects is readily available, allowing for a shift towards addressing other challenges such as climate change impacts on seed establishment.
Overall, the push for native seed conservation and availability reflects a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and utilizing diverse plant species for ecosystem restoration and resilience in the face of environmental challenges. The Benefits of Outdoor Exercise
Exercise is an important aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. It not only helps to keep your body in shape, but it also has numerous benefits for your mental and emotional well-being. While many people choose to exercise indoors at a gym or fitness center, there are also many benefits to exercising outdoors.
One of the main benefits of outdoor exercise is the exposure to fresh air and sunlight. Being outdoors allows you to breathe in fresh air, which can help to improve your overall mood and energy levels. Sunlight is also a great source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and overall well-being. Getting outside and soaking up some sun can help to boost your mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
Another benefit of outdoor exercise is the variety of terrain and scenery that you can experience. Whether you prefer to go for a run in the park, hike in the mountains, or bike along the beach, there are endless possibilities for outdoor workouts. The changing scenery can help to keep your workouts interesting and engaging, preventing boredom and burnout.
Outdoor exercise also provides the opportunity to connect with nature and disconnect from the distractions of everyday life. Being surrounded by trees, grass, and wildlife can help to calm your mind and reduce feelings of anxiety. It allows you to focus on the present moment and enjoy the beauty of the natural world.
Additionally, outdoor exercise can be more challenging and effective than indoor workouts. Running on uneven terrain, biking up hills, or doing bodyweight exercises in a park can help to improve your balance, coordination, and strength. The elements of nature can also add an extra level of difficulty to your workouts, helping you to burn more calories and build endurance.
Finally, outdoor exercise can be a more social experience than working out indoors. Whether you join a group fitness class in the park or go for a hike with friends, exercising outdoors can be a great way to connect with others and build relationships. It can also be a fun and enjoyable way to spend time with loved ones while improving your health and fitness.
In conclusion, there are numerous benefits to exercising outdoors. From the fresh air and sunlight to the variety of terrain and scenery, outdoor exercise can help to improve your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. So next time you’re thinking about getting a workout in, consider taking it outside for a change of scenery and a boost to your overall health.
