Wildland Seed Harvesting Pilot Program

Introduction

Welcome to the Wildland Seed Harvesting Pilot Program, an innovative initiative designed to enhance New Mexico’s ecological resilience by cultivating a sustainable supply of native seeds. This program addresses the urgent need for locally adapted, climate-ready seeds to support soil conservation and habitat restoration efforts across the state. 

Valencia Soi land Water Conservation District, in partnership with Rio Grande Return and Ciudad Soil and Water Conservation District are implementing a Wildland Seed Harvesting Pilot Program between August 2024 through May of 2025.

 Interested Landowners should complete the PDF Landowner Application below, or complete the online form below.

Wildland Seed Harvesting Landowner Application 2024-2025

Program Goals

• Increase Native Seed Availability: Develop a reliable source of high-quality native seeds tailored to New Mexico’s unique climate and ecological conditions.
• Engage Landowners: Form partnerships with landowners to establish seed collection agreements, ensuring the preservation of native plant species.
• Promote Ecological Restoration: Use harvested seeds to restore and stabilize ecosystems, protecting them from erosion and other environmental challenges.

Why Focus on Native Seeds?

The availability of native seeds is crucial for maintaining and restoring healthy ecosystems. Native plants are inherently more adapted to local climate conditions, making them vital for sustainable land management practices. By investing in native seed harvesting, we aim to:

• Enhance Ecosystem Resilience: Support ecosystems that can withstand the challenges of a changing climate, including increased heat, drought, and wildfire risks.
• Support Wildlife Habitats: Preserve and restore habitats that are essential for local wildlife and biodiversity.
• Promote Sustainable Land Use: Encourage land management practices that prioritize ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

How the Program Works

1. Landowner Engagement: We collaborate with willing landowners to identify and collect seeds from native plant populations. These seeds are crucial for conservation and restoration projects throughout New Mexico.

2. Seed Inventory and Collection: Rio Grande Return, will conduct an initial visit, count the population, then track species for maturity and will mobilize at the right time to harvest the seeds. Rio Grande Return will tailor equipment to various private land and species of seeds that need to be harvested. Equipment and the method of removal may include manual seed collection (hand stripping select seed heads), hand-held seed harvester, and/ or pull-behind hydraulic seed stripper. Equipment does drive over the vegetation, but the seed collection happens by stripping only the seedheads. The rest of the vegetative parts are not cut or damaged. Collected seed will be gathered in tarps and collection sacks. 

3. Educational Initiatives: Through workshops and demonstrations, we educate the community about the importance of native seeds and sustainable land management practices. Topics include biochar production and goat grazing, which are integrated into our restoration efforts.

Benefits to the Community

• Access to High-Quality Seeds: Land managers gain access to seeds that are better suited to local conditions, reducing reliance on less-adapted commercial seed supplies.
• Long-Term Ecological Health: By prioritizing native seeds, we promote ecosystems that can adapt and thrive, even in challenging environmental conditions.
• Community Involvement: Our educational programs empower local residents and landowners to participate in conservation efforts, fostering a sense of stewardship and responsibility for New Mexico’s natural resources.

Get Involved

• Landowners: Join our seed collection efforts and contribute to New Mexico’s ecological future.
• Community Members: Attend our workshops and learn about the importance of native seed conservation.
• Supporters: Advocate for sustainable practices and help spread the word about our program.

Contact Us

For more information about the Wildland Seed Harvesting Pilot Program, please contact:

Johnny Chavez
Valencia SWCD
2424 State Hwy 47
Belen, NM 87002
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (505) 505-864-8914

Join us in our mission to conserve and restore New Mexico’s natural beauty through the power of native seeds