Genomics-Informed Seed Sourcing
We use genomic data to guide seed sourcing decisions that improve establishment success, maintain genetic diversity, and reduce maladaptation risk under current and future environmental conditions.
Why Seed Sourcing Decisions Matter
Seed sourcing is one of the most consequential decisions in ecological restoration. The genetic composition of planted material influences establishment, persistence, and the ability of restored populations to respond to environmental variability.
Common approaches—such as sourcing from nearby populations or relying on generalized seed zones—do not always reflect adaptive genetic variation across landscapes. As a result, restoration efforts may experience reduced performance or long-term vulnerability under changing conditions.
Genomic data provides a direct way to evaluate how populations are adapted and to design seed sourcing strategies that better align with environmental realities.
What We Do
We integrate genomic, environmental, and climate data to evaluate how populations are adapted across landscapes and to identify seed sourcing strategies that balance:
local adaptation
genetic diversity
climate resilience
Our work focuses on translating genomic patterns into clear, decision-ready guidance for seed development and restoration implementation.
Seed Sourcing Strategies We Evaluate
Single-source sourcing (local or matched populations)
Multi-source or composite provenancing
Climate-adjusted provenancing
Range-wide genetic diversity assessments
Evaluation of tradeoffs between local adaptation and diversity
What You Receive
Seed sourcing maps identifying suitable source populations
Climate-adjusted transfer guidelines
Quantitative summaries of genetic diversity and risk
Scenario-based comparisons of sourcing strategies
Technical reports designed for implementation in restoration programs
Applications
Native seed development programs
Seed procurement for restoration projects
Post-fire and post-disturbance revegetation
Regional restoration planning
Designing seed mixes for resilience under climate variability
We specialize in translating genomic data into practical guidance for seed sourcing decisions. Our work bridges the gap between genetic analysis and implementation, ensuring that results can be directly used by land managers, seed growers, and restoration practitioners.
Unlike approaches that rely solely on geographic or climate proxies, we incorporate genome-wide patterns of variation to provide a more direct assessment of adaptation and risk.
Why Landscape Stewardship Collective
We work with agencies, NGOs, and partners to design seed sourcing strategies that align with restoration goals and environmental conditions.