Propagating genetically resilient native plants for a STRONGER and HEALTHIER environment
OUR GOALS
WHY RESEED RHODE ISLAND?
No one gardens better than Mother Nature. Her designs are exquisite, and the connections between plants, insects, and animals that she has forged result from countless generations of evolution. The consequence of this process is biodiversity, as measured not only in species richness, but also in genetic richness.
– Uli Lorimer
Native plants are the foundation of diverse habitats, supporting local bugs, bees, butterflies, birds and other wildlife—even the microbes and fungi in the soil.
But not all plants labeled “native” are the same. Ecotype plants—grown from seed originating in historically local populations—carry genetic diversity shaped by their region and long relationships among local plants and wildlife.
We are still learning about ecotypes and the magic of seeds and we don’t have all the answers. We do know that genetic diversity within and among native plant populations can help species persist and adapt through change and stress.
ReSeeding Rhode Island is working to increase the availability of locally sourced ecotype seeds and plants while helping conserve the genetic diversity of Rhode Island’s native plant populations.
Ecoregions
Did you know?
Most of Rhode Island belongs in Northeast Coast Zone, or Ecoregion 59, as mapped by the Environmental Protection Agency, designated areas that share largely similar environmental conditions and plant genetics. Link to EPA’s US Map
OUR WORK
About Each Step
Collect Seeds
We collect seeds from wild plant populations using the basic principles outlined by Seeds of Success (SOS), the national seed collection program, led by the Bureau of Land Management. Learn more about our process of ethically and sustainably collecting seeds.
Clean Seeds
Focusing only on species that tolerate dry storage, our dedicated volunteers hand clean seeds from extraneous materials and store them until they are ready to be planted. Learn more about our techniques, and tips and recommendations for cleaning and storing seeds.
Winter Sow Seeds
Many of our native plant species need exposure to winter’s cold, moist conditions to germinate in spring. From November through February, we sow our harvested, cleaned, and dried native seeds in plug trays filled with moist soil. Learn more about how we winter sow.
Grow Seedlings
Left in their trays in protected frames throughout the winter allows seedlings to grow under the best possible conditions and ready to be planted into plots once the roots are better developed.
Plant Into Plots
We then partner with organizations who then nurture these plants in dedicated “foundation plots.” Learn more about these important partners whose care and dedication make ReseedingRI possible.
Harvest Plot Seeds
Our partner organizations nurture the plugs into healthy and thriving plants through significant care and maintenance so that we can continue sustainably harvesting, sharing, and selling seeds for generations to come. Learn more about how to sow, grow, and care for your own wild plants.
YOUR TURN
Start with Seeds
Buy, sow and grow
Purchase ReSeeding Rhode Island seeds, along with other locally produced ecotype seeds, at our seasonal plant sales and other major RIWPS events.
Seeds are also available online through our distributor, Northeast Seed Collective, including larger quantities of some species as well as the discounted RI Pride Bundle of ten different ReSeeding Rhode Island species
Start with Plants
Buy and plant
Purchase plugs and plants grown from RSRI seed harvested from our foundation plots at RIWPS seasonal plant sales.
Other Local Sources
Brandon Family Farm, West Kingston, RI
Dragonfly Natives, South Dartmouth, MA
Dragonfly Nurseries, Wakefield, RI
Plant Community LLC, East Greenwich, RI
These are local source we have worked with, their inclusion is not an RIWPS endorsement or recommendation. Please check with each source for current availability, origin, quality, and other product information because offerings can vary.
Help grow the supply
Help ReSeeding RI increase access to locally and ethically sourced ecotypic seeds. Together we can protect and expand biodiversity across RI and beyond.
LEARN MORE
The Seeds of ReSeeding Rhode Island
ReSeeding Rhode Island builds on work begun in 2010 by botanist Hope Leeson through the Rhode Island Natural History Survey’s Rhody Native Initiative and draws on the model of Connecticut’s Ecotype Project.
Beginning in 2022, botanist Shannon Kingsley ethically collected seed from wild plant populations. The seed was cleaned, winter sown, and grown into plugs with horticulturist Barbara Shaughnessy. In fall 2023, plugs of 15 species were planted in foundation plots maintained by partner organic farmers and land trusts. The first seed was harvested in 2024.
Wild seed collection continues to replenish existing foundation plots and establish new ones.
ReSeeding Rhode Island: How Far We’ve Come
Reseeding Native Habitat – The Story Walking Radio Hour, Wendy Fashon interview with Sue Teriault, head of ReSeeding RI (September 7, 2026)
Learn more about ReSeeding Rhode Island through featured articles from WildFloraRI magazine:
- Reseeding Rhode Island, by Anne Raver (Spring 2022)
- The Hype about Ecotypes, by Shannon Kingsley (Spring 2023)
- ReSeeding Review, by Shannon Kingsley (Winter 2023)
- ReSeeding RI Comes Full Circle, by Sue Theriault (Winter 2025)
ReSeeding Rhode Island in Action
Watch the video playlist of our work ethically harvesting, cleaning, sowing, and growing wild plants that support a healthier environment.
ReSeeding Rhode Island Species Index
Check out the plant species in the Reseeding Rhode Island pipeline. Learn about their characteristics, what their seeds and emerging sprouts look like, how they support local animal and insects, and their ideal growing conditions.
