Seed Collector

Save to Favorites

Holden Forests & Gardens has a seed bank to provide seeds for trees, shrubs, and other native plants. The goal is to send those seeds right back out into nature to help reforest the lower Great Lakes region. While many of the seeds that are collected will be sent back out for reforestation, some will stay at Holden for research purposes. The seed bank has the capacity to store 10 million seeds.

Volunteer Seed Collectors will collect seeds from the grounds and natural areas of Holden Arboretum under the direction of the Seed Bank Manager and research staff.

Responsibilities:

• Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens
• Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks
• Assist Seed Bank Manager with the collection of native seed species including herbaceous, shrub, and tree seeds
• Identify native plants and collect viable seeds in buckets, bags, or shoulder bags
• Sort seeds by species and check for pest or pathogen damage
• Maintain the safety of people, plants, and animals
• Attend trainings, orientations, or clinics as required
• Additional related tasks as needed

Outcomes/Impact:

• Increased capacity to support regional restoration efforts in Northeast Ohio using local ecotype native seed species
• Ensure the seedbank will be able to provide local ecotype seeds for propagation and cultivation in spring