Training is delivered by the Forest Gene Conservation Association (FGCA). Certification is provided through the FGCA’s Ontario Natural Selections Program.
READ ALL REQUIREMENTS CAREFULLY PRIOR TO REGISTERING.
2024 Full Certification REQUIREMENTS:
- Own the FGCA’s Seeds of Ontario & Eastern Canada (2024) manual
- use of the 2014 Seeds of Ontario Trees & Shrubs is permitted for the 2024 training season if already owned.
- Attend the Basics Seed Collection webinar – 1 Half Day (4hrs.)
- Attend the Advanced Seed Collection webinar – 1 Half Day (4hrs.)
- Attend Mid Season Q&A Check-in virtual session – 1.5 hrs.
- Attend the In Field hands-on training session – 1 Full day (8hrs.) [travel required to site]
- Sign and return the Certified Seed Collector Code of Ethics
- Complete the Certified Seed Collector Online Exam with a passing grade
With all of these requirements fulfilled you will receive a certification package with your CSC number.
The CSC Course focuses on native woody plant species, however basic collection principles and best practices can be applied more broadly.
View PDF for more information about course content.
If your intent was to register instead for the FGCA’s alternative Seed Collection Essentials Training follow this link.
2024 Price Range
Payment is required to reserve your training spot.
- Full Certification + Manual: $455 plus HST = $514.15
- Full Certification [without Manual]: $400 plus HST = $452.00
A copy of the 2nd edition (2024) Seeds of Ontario & Eastern Canada: A Manual for Tree and Shrub Forecasting and Collection (left) is required for Training and Certification.
For the 2024 training season, use of the 2014 manual is permitted, however the 2nd edition (2024) manual will be required for future courses.
Sessions and Timeline
Basics Webinar Session:
- Thursday June 6th, 2024
- 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Advanced Webinar Session:
- Tuesday June 18th, 2024
- 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Check-In Webinar:
- End of July, 2024
- *Specific date and time TBD
- 1.5 hour
In Field Training:
- Kemptville, ON – Aug. 23rd, 2024
- Everett, ON – Sept. 19th, 2024
- Dates are tentative
- Locations are subject to change
- Full day – 8 hours
- Travel to site required
Certified Seed Collector (CSC) Course Registration