The tour will cover all aspects of the numerous steps involved in the production of source identified native seed. The tour will include a visit to Heritage Growers’ demonstration garden where new ecotypes and new species are trialed, seed is produced for the nursery operation and small plot amplifications are implemented. We will also visit Heritage Growers’ production fields where more than 100 distinct species and ecotypes are produced over approximately 208 acres. Discussions will include methods for field establishment including direct seeding and plug installation, how fields are maintained including irrigation and weed control, how seeds are harvested including how large farm equipment such as swathers and combines are utilized to efficiently harvest seed at scale. The field trip will cover the seed conditioning (cleaning) process including how seeds are dried, the various methods used to clean seed and how the seeds are stored, tested, and retested. Woven throughout the fieldtrip will be examples of various Best Management Practices Heritage Growers use to maintain genetic integrity of different ecotypes.

• Timing: 9 AM to 1 PM
• Hiking Level: Easy  and uneven slopes
• Ages 18 and up welcome
• Rain or shine! 

Registration is limited to 35 people, so register today! 

If you plan to attend, please read these before registering: 

What to bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, warm clothes and comfortable walking shoes or boots. Bring a sack lunch to enjoy on-site. Please leave pets at home.