Native Plant Propagation Program

Ethan Skuches, ‘22

A row of tall bushes with purple flowers in a large garden.

The Preserve’s Native Plant Propagation Program, formally established in the Fall of 2023, exists as a partnership between the Collins Field Station and the Environmental Cooperative. The goals of the Native Plant Propagation Program (NPPP) are to create a stock of site-adapted native plant materials, seed amplification of pollinator-preferred plants, preserve local genetics in a changing climate, and to engage in seed-based outreach and dissemination of native plant materials into the larger community. Through the amplification of local native plant materials, the NPPP allows for local plants to be placed back into the community and the environment and ensures the continuation of local genetics in our local habitats. Since beginning seed collection in the fall of 2023 and creating a more robust and intentional native plant propagation program, over 300 collections have been made that represent more than 150 species of plants. If you’re interested in getting involved or have any questions, please contact preserve@vassar.edu.