The Restorative Landscape Coalition was inaugurated during a workshop held from February 21-23, 2024, that brought together leaders and key staff members from thirteen Botanic Gardens, Arboreta, Seed Banks, allied non-profit organizations, and the largest native seed and plant material supplier in the Northeast. The workshop, organized and moderated by the Ecological Health Network, was graciously hosted by the Oak Spring Garden Foundation in Upperville, Virginia. The Oak Spring Garden Foundation was the ideal venue for our inaugural meeting, which aligned seamlessly with the foundation’s mission statement: “to support and inspire fresh thinking and bold action on the history and future of plants.”

 

The Restorative Landscape Coalition is intended to be a social-ecological impact network dedicated to working with and enhancing the capacity of the Northeast Seed Network, other regionally-based seed production and supply-related efforts, and other emerging restoration-minded partnerships in the Eastern US. By harnessing the educational capacity, experience, and expertise within our botanic gardens, seed banks, arboreta (hereafter botanic gardens), and allied organizations, we focus on maximizing the end-use of source-identified, genetically diverse seed supplies and nursery-grown or propagated plant materials for a wide range of ecological restoration, ecological landscaping, regenerative agriculture, and related activities. Geographically, our focus spans the EPA Level III Ecoregions of the US Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast Bioregions. We are also gradually expanding and strengthening our linkages and cooperation in Ontario, New Brunswick, and other Eastern Canadian provinces. 

​

As a consortium of botanic gardens and allied institutions and organizations, we are committed to leveraging our collections to ensure stronger synergy between all conservation and restoration-related endeavors. Botanic gardens are uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in advancing the seed storage, biodiversity conservation, and research objectives outlined in the US National Seed Strategy and National Academies of Science's 2023 report, An Assessment of Native Seed Needs and Capacities. These strategies aim to develop sources of seeds and plant materials aligned with long-term goals to maintain and enhance the structural, compositional, and functional integrity of our nation’s ecosystems.

​

Citing The National Academies of Science's 2023 report, An Assessment of Native Seed Needs and Capacities, we recognize the potential of native plant communities on public and private lands as fundamental elements for establishing a sustainable, public-private native seed industry. The ex-situ living collections (particularly conservation collections of wild origin) housed in botanic gardens and affiliated non-profit organizations serve as crucial safeguards for native species for restoration and horticultural activities within the plant materials development pipeline and, when reproductively isolated from other related collections, for seed amplification.

​

Both the US National Seed Strategy and National Academies of Sciences report emphasize the imperative to increase collaboration and cooperation across agencies and with external partners. This involves sharing expertise, facilities, and seed bank infrastructure to support seed storage and distribution of workhorse or common species in addition to species of conservation concern. Botanic Gardens are custodians of our shared plant biodiversity and resources. By engaging in conservation, education and outreach, research, providing facilities, and leveraging expert horticultural know-how, we provide a key link in efforts to bolster resilience and restore the health of landscapes in the Eastern US.

​

Additionally, we set ourselves apart from traditional seed production partnerships, like the Northeast Seed Network, by focusing on market development. Instead of concentrating solely on seed and plant production, we also aim to enhance the 'demand' side of seed and plant material supply chains. To ensure the use of the highest quality seed and plant material, we will leverage our educational expertise, institutional capacity, and credibility to promote more suitable options to the public and various end-user groups. Our commitment is to foster the generation and dissemination of knowledge, skills, and best practices to support efforts that sustain, conserve, and, when necessary, restore degraded ecosystems and reintegrate fragmented landscapes.

​

Collectively, we are dedicated to the public good and the well-being of future generations. Our shared missions include inspiring, meaningful connections among people, plants, and the natural world, promoting education and awareness, championing conservation and landscape stewardship, and advancing research and innovation. All these efforts aim to improve ecosystem health and maintain biodiversity to enhance society's overall well-being and resilience to global changes.

​

​Read more about the launch of the RLC at the Oak Spring Garden Foundation on the Natural History of Ecological Restoration blog.

​