Midwest Native Seed Network Races to Save Region's Biodiversity

Collaborative effort aims to address shortage of native seeds for ecological restoration amid climate change impacts

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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As climate change intensifies wildfires and other extreme weather events, demand for native seeds in the Midwest is surging. In response, the Chicago Botanic Garden has launched the Midwest Native Seed Network, a coalition of 300 restoration ecologists, land managers, and seed growers across 11 states. The network is researching which native species are most in demand, where they are likely to thrive, and what it will take to produce them at scale to support habitat restoration efforts.

Why it matters

Native seeds are crucial for restoring the Midwest's prairies, wetlands, and woodlands, as these species have genetically adapted over thousands of years to support the region's unique ecosystems. However, a recent survey found that over 500 native species are effectively unavailable for restoration due to lack of commercial production or prohibitive costs. The Midwest Native Seed Network aims to address these shortages and connect seed suppliers with those in need, helping to preserve the Midwest's biodiversity in the face of climate change impacts.

The details

The Chicago Botanic Garden's Midwest Native Seed Network is compiling information on seed collection, processing, germination, and propagation, while also identifying regional research gaps and planning collaborative projects to close them. For example, the network is currently collecting research on submerged aquatic plants and other species that are challenging to germinate. The goal is to ultimately connect people who need seeds with those who know how to grow them, though the network itself does not sell seeds.

  • In 2024, the Chicago Botanic Garden launched the Midwest Native Seed Network.
  • Last year, the network undertook its first major project: a large-scale survey of more than 50 partners across the region.
  • In 2021, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law dedicated $1.4 billion for ecosystem restoration over five years, including $200 million for the National Seed Strategy.
  • In 2024, the Interior Department announced an initial round of $1 million for a national seed bank for native plants.
  • In early 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency cut 10 percent of the staff at the National Plant Germplasm System.

The players

Midwest Native Seed Network

A coalition of 300 restoration ecologists, land managers, and seed growers across 11 states in the Midwest, launched by the Chicago Botanic Garden in 2024 to address shortages of native seeds for ecological restoration.

Chicago Botanic Garden

A 385-acre public garden and home to one of the nation's leading plant conservation programs, which launched the Midwest Native Seed Network.

Kayri Havens

Chief scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Andrea Kramer

Director of restoration at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Elizabeth Lager

Professor at the University of Nevada in Reno and co-founder of the Nevada Native Seed Partnership.

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What they’re saying

“Climate change is affecting our weather and the frequency of natural disasters. Wildfires becoming more common, hurricanes becoming more common — that increases the need for seed.”

— Kayri Havens, Chief scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden (wbez.org)

“We're addressing these local, regional, and national shortages of native seed that are really just hindering our ability to restore really diverse habitats, build green infrastructure, and support urban gardens.”

— Andrea Kramer, Director of restoration at the Chicago Botanic Garden (wbez.org)

“If something isn't supported on a national level, then it becomes incumbent on states and regions to do that kind of work. So that's why we're focusing right now in the Midwest.”

— Kayri Havens, Chief scientist at the Chicago Botanic Garden (wbez.org)

What’s next

The Midwest Native Seed Network plans to run the seed availability survey again in 20 years, with the goal of having access to all the native seeds needed for restoration efforts in the region.

The takeaway

The Midwest Native Seed Network's collaborative approach to addressing native seed shortages highlights the critical role that regional initiatives can play in supporting ecological restoration and biodiversity conservation, especially when national-level support is lacking. By connecting seed suppliers with those in need, the network aims to ensure the Midwest's unique ecosystems can be preserved and restored in the face of climate change impacts.