We're excited to announce a game-changing partnership that will expand our restoration capacity for years to come. Starting this spring, BillionTrees will operate a 10-acre native plant nursery in partnership with the State Forestry Division, growing up to 150,000 native seedlings annually.
Why This Matters
Until now, we've relied on purchasing native plants from commercial nurseries—often at high cost and with limited species availability. This new nursery will allow us to:
Grow regionally-adapted stock from local seed sources, ensuring plants are suited to our watersheds and climate. Expand species diversity beyond the standard commercial varieties, including hard-to-find native shrubs and grasses. Reduce costs by 40%, allowing us to plant more trees with the same budget. Supply partner organizations working on their own restoration projects throughout the region.
What We'll Grow
Our first year will focus on riparian species essential for watershed health: river birch, sycamore, willow, cottonwood, and red maple for tree canopy, plus native grasses and flowering plants that stabilize soil and support pollinators.
By year three, we'll expand to include upland species and rare natives that are difficult to source commercially.
Community Opportunities
The nursery will also serve as an education and training hub. We're planning workshops on seed collection, propagation techniques, and native landscaping. Local schools will have opportunities for field trips and hands-on learning about native ecosystems.
Timeline
March 2026: Site preparation begins
May 2026: First seeds sown
Fall 2027: First seedlings available for planting
This partnership represents a major investment in the long-term health of our region's watersheds. We're grateful to the State Forestry Division for their support and excited about the restoration work this will enable.
Want to volunteer at the nursery? We'll be recruiting volunteer seed collectors and propagation assistants starting this summer. Stay tuned for details.
Tags: native plant nursery, partnership announcement, capacity building, native species, community education