Seed Expertise
Why Save Seeds?
Seed is the critical element of any afforestation or reforestation project. When informed by sound gene conservation principles and by obtaining source identified material, practitioners can rest assured knowing that they gave their project the best possible start.
Ensuring the supply and use of high quality, locally adapted woody plant seed.
Seed Quality & Certification
Seed source and seed quality matters, this is why the FGCA has developed the Ontario’s Natural Selections certification program, Certified Seed Collector course and Seed Collection Manual to help practitioners, and the general public to collect, handle, process and store seed that will ensure overall tree health and fitness.
Certified Seed Collector
Want to become a Certified Seed Collector? Join our waitlist to be contacted about our upcoming courses.
Seed Manual Purchase
Interested in buying our Seed Manual? We have two editions to explore!
Seeds of Ontario Trees & Shrubs
Field Manual for Crop Forecasting and Collecting (1st ed. 2014).
Seeds of Ontario & Eastern Canada
A Manual for Tree and Shrub Crop Forecasting and Collection (2nd ed. 2024).
Seed Supply Management
Whether you have seed or you are looking for seed, it is important to understand all of the aspects involved in sourcing, processing, storing, marketing, etc.
The Forest Gene Conservation Association offers services and support for:
- Seed transfer mapping, advice, and procurement support
- Seed inventory review and seed management advisory services
- Support in connecting with certified seed collectors
- Training and resources for seed collection, processing, storage and testing
- Sale of Select White Pine seed to support large scale restoration and reforestation practitioners
- Seed and climate change related resources and tools
- And more
Seed Sources
High quality, locally adapted seed is the foundation of any successful planting program. Natural, well managed stands, Seed Production Areas (SPA) and Seed Orchards (SO), are some examples of seed sources.
The FGCA manages the Seed Collection Area Network(SCAN) database along with a number of SO and SPA sites to support restoration and reforestation in Ontario
