A new community resource dedicated to biodiversity, pollinator support, and resilient home landscapes launches this winter with the debut of the Native Seed Library, a regional initiative providing free, locally sourced native seeds to the public at 10 locations across Northeast Ohio. Beginning Jan. 19, residents will be able to pick up regionally appropriate native seeds to grow plants that thrive in local conditions while supporting pollinators and healthy ecosystems, according to a news release. The Native Seed Library is made possible through collaboration among West Creek Conservancy, Holden Forests Gardens, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Cox Charities East Region, and the Cleveland Metroparks Watershed Stewardship Center. The Native Seed Library will offer 12 seed varieties total — 11 straight native species and one pollinator mix, distributed across 10 locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Each participating location will receive a total of 1,200 seed packets with 100 packets of each variety, providing broad public access to high-quality native plant material, the release stated Visitors may take up to three seed packets per person at each location. The program was launched in 2023 by West Creek Conservancy and has expanded through regional partnerships. Seeds for the library are sourced and collected entirely in Northeast Ohio, drawn from wild populations and restoration projects, including sites such as Mentor Marsh, according to the release. Holden Forests Gardens produced approximately 70 to 80 percent of the seed for the program, reinforcing the library’s focus on locally adapted plants that support long-term ecological health. “Native plants play a critical role in supporting pollinators, restoring habitat, and strengthening our region’s ecosystems,” stated Kim Lessman, Seed Bank manager at Holden Forests Gardens which is part of the Native Seed Library collaborative. “By making locally sourced native seeds freely available, the Native Seed Library empowers residents to be active participants in conservation, right in their own backyards.” “The Native Seed Library is about meeting people where they are and making it easy to take a first step toward more sustainable landscapes,” Stewardship and Outreach Coordinator Danielle Dejak stated in the release. “By offering free native seeds in familiar, community-based locations, we’re helping residents feel empowered to grow plants that benefit their neighborhoods, local wildlife, and the region as a whole.” Seed varieties available will be: Foxglove Beardtonque; Evening Primrose; Hollow Joe Pye; New England Aster; Marsh Hibiscus; Gray Headed Coneflower; Black-Eyed Susan; Swamp Milkweed; Blunt Mountain Mint; Tall Ironweed; Wingstem; and mixed wildflowers Seed Bank Library locations will include: • Cleveland Public Library’s The Book Nook at the West Side Market • Cleveland Botanical Garden (Library) • Holden Arboretum (Library) • Lake Metroparks Farmpark • Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen Reservation • Cleveland Metroparks Watershed Stewardship Center ...read more read less