The Wild Seed Initiative is more than a native wildflower campaign; it's a hands-on opportunity for all residents of Park County to give back and strengthen our connection to the land. Native plants have always been vital to this landscape and its people, providing food, medicine, shelter, and a deep spiritual connection. Building a strong community around the protection of these resources is essential, and local groups are crucial partners in this effort.
Livingston Loves Bees, a volunteer group supporting Livingston's Bee City USA commitment through pollinator habitat creation, is a prime example. The Wild Seed Initiative is committed to supporting their projects and monitoring their benefits to the community. Want to learn more about Livingston Loves Bees? Find Out More Here.
Through the Wild Seed Initiative, we aim to:
Support Livingston Loves Bees: Partner with Livingston Loves Bees by providing native wildflower seed and coordinating community planting events.
Restore native plant communities: Organize community planting days in designated areas of public parks and partner with private landowners to encourage planting native wildflowers on their properties.
Educate and empower: Offer free workshops on native plant identification, seed collection, and propagation. Create online resources, including a plant guide and planting tips.
Honor traditional ecological knowledge: Support and share collaborative efforts to incorporate traditional ecological knowledge into educational materials and create opportunities for shared learning
To learn more about food plants and ethnobotany in Montana, visit the Salish Plant Society and explore other plant uses with the Native American Ethnobotany Database.
Why are native plants at risk?
Montana currently has more than 100 plant species categorized as "Species of Concern" due to habitat loss & various threats like:
invasive species — learn more about Noxious Weed Monitoring.
conversion of grasslands
changes in climate & extreme weather events
urban sprawl & land fragmentation
harmful resource management
These factors have resulted in a notable decrease of Montana's native plant species. This only emphasizes the need to safeguard and revive these wild spaces.
What should we plant?
Choosing the right plants for your wild habitat project can feel like a daunting task— focusing on creating habitat for beneficial insects and native pollinators, is a great place to start. The Xerces Society has compiled a list of the top 50 native plant species known to attract pollinators and beneficial insects. This resource can help you make informed decisions and create a thriving habitat that supports a diversity of life. Download or print resource here.
BECOME A COMMUNITY SCIENTIST— HELP US PLANT NATIVE SEEDS & MONITOR THEIR SUCCESS
The Wild Seed Initiative is actively testing seed planting efficacy around the county. We will educate on and provide native plant seeds for community science participants and service groups who are interesting in helping. Seeds will be purchased as locally as possible or collected from wild plants in the area. Participants can pick up seeds at PCEC hosted events and service groups can request seeds for community led weed removal or re-seeding projects for public trail maintenance.
READY TO GET STARTED? Follow the steps below.
Get your seeds from the Wild Seed Initiative and sign up to be a community scientist.
Click to view WSI Instruction Guide PDF. Pick up seed packets at PCEC events, farmers markets, native plant sale, or come by our office at the Lincoln School, Room 306.
Download the CitSci App. on your Apple or Android phone and search for “The Wild Seed Initiative” to begin your observations.
To learn to ID your seedlings and flowers *Locate the WSI Plant Identification Guide or use the Picture this App for Apple or Android devices.