GIVE
GIVE

Seed keepers

Take What You Need, Give What You Can

Led by local scientists and restoration experts, “Seed Keepers” offers guided sessions on seed harvesting and processing to build the region’s first-ever community seed library. You’ll discover the critical role of local genotype seeds in strengthening the resilience of our shorelines and native plantings. This series not only educates but also empowers community members to play a pivotal role in conserving our coastal ecosystems.

Special thanks to research collaborators Dr. Taylor Sloey and Dr. Erik Yando of ODU’s Wetland Plant and Restoration Lab and research fellow Eric Liu. Seed Keepers of the Elizabeth River is made possible by a generous donation from the JP Doherty Foundation.

Current Seed Inventory

  • Schizachyrium scoparium Little bluestem
  • Kosteletzkya virginica Seashore mallow
  • Juncus roemarianus Black needlerush
  • Physostegia virginiana ‘Miss Manners’ Obedient plant
  • Symphyotrichum oblongifolius Aromatic aster
  • Andropogon glomeratus Bushy bluestem
  • Eragrostis spectabilis Purple lovegrass
  • Conoclinium coelestinum Blue mistflower
  • Rudbeckia fulgida Orange coneflower
  • Penstemon digitalis Foxglove beardtongue

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is a seed library? A seed library is a place where people can borrow seeds to grow and then return some of the seeds to the library. Seed libraries help build cultural and environmental resilience.
  • Why save seeds? Saving seeds from our native plants preserves their biodiversity. Locally-grown native plants are adapted to our regional conditions, so they are more environmentally resilient. Community access to native seeds also build cultural resilience, placing the power to restore native habitats into the hands of everyday people.
  • What kind of seeds can I get and give here? This is a native plant seed library, so we only accept donations of seeds from plants native to the southeastern coastal plain (including the eastern Carolinas). We accept seed from wild sources as well as from gardens. Please make sure to note the source of your seed when you bring in donations.
  • How do I harvest seeds? The short answer is, it depends! For most native flowering plants, you will wait until the plant flowers, sets seed, and that seed turns brown and dry. Use scissors or clippers to carefully cut off the seedhead without damaging the larger plant. Depending on the seeds, you may want to clean or process them. We hold workshops on seed harvesting and processing each fall at the Ryan Resilience Lab – join us.
  • Am I allowed to harvest seeds from wild places? Excellent question! Laws about wild seed collection vary from city to city and site to site. Please research the regulations where you plan to harvest and ask if you are not sure. Please NEVER harvest seed from a plant that you cannot identify. Whether you’re harvesting from a garden or a natural area, we encourage you to practice the honorable harvest. Learn more about the honorable harvest.

 

For additional questions and to get involved, contact Luísa Black Ellis, lblack@elizabethriver.org.

Ryan Resilience Lab Event Request

Thank you for your interest in the Elizabeth River Project’s Ryan Resilience Lab. We’re delighted that our site is in high demand. As the Ryan Resilience Lab is operated by a small non-profit with a big environmental mission, please help us make sure your event is a great fit.

Our priority is to host groups with relevance to our mission: to restore the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration with diverse communities, governments, and businesses. When space and staff support are available, we are happy to host such groups free of charge, but do request that you consider an organizational membership and allow us to offer the opportunity for individual memberships.

Please fill this form out at least 30 days in advance of the event.

Our maximum for indoor seated events is 85 theater style and 45 classroom style. For standing receptions, the maximum is 100 indoors or 125 indoor-outdoor.
(restoring the Elizabeth River through equitable collaboration) and Ryan Resilience Lab (environmental resilience to sea level rise)
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If given the go-ahead for our event, sponsor organization agrees to these Ryan Lab policies:

Yes, we will offer attendees the option to tour the Ryan Lab(Required)
Yes, Elizabeth River Project can make a 3-5 minute announcement at the start of the event regarding mission and ways to get involved(Required)
Yes, we will join the Elizabeth River Project as a dues-paying organization at a level commensurate with our size and the nature of our operations.
Please see member benefits for further information: https://elizabethriver.org/donor-circles/
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Yes, we will adhere to start and end times (15-minute leeway) and will leave the room as clean as possible.(Required)

Additionally, sponsor organization agrees to these administrative/liability requirements:

  • ERP maintains insurance for its activities at the Ryan Lab. Sponsoring organizations should ensure that they have appropriate insurance coverage as well.
  • Weapons are prohibited.
  • Open flames generally are prohibited (special permission only).
  • Outdoor guests will be required to exit the Learning Park during thunder, lightning, high winds or any circumstance deemed hazardous by ERP.
  • Waiver of Claims: Sponsoring organizations agree to release, waive all claims, discharge, and covenant not to sue Elizabeth River Project, its officers, employees, volunteers, and agents from liability from any and all claims resulting in personal injury, accidents or illnesses and property loss arising from, but not limited to, participation in the event and related tours, due to the negligence of sponsor, sponsor's employees, or event participants.
  • Notice of Claims: Sponsor agrees to provide immediate notice to ERP if any participant either files, or threatens to file, a claim arising from or related to the event, so that ERP can notify its insurance carriers.
  • COVID Statement: Participants will monitor their own health prior to reporting to any Elizabeth River Project event/activity. If any signs or symptoms of infection are present, the individual must not report to the event.
  • Photo Release: Photos of the event may be shared as part of grant reporting or posted on Elizabeth River Project website/social media unless otherwise specified by the sponsor organization.
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