In the spring of 2006 I organized an all-day symposium at the American Museum of Natural History entitled “What is Local?”, bringing in experts from across the country to present and explore what was already a long standing and seemingly intractable question: how far away can I safely go to source seed for my work? Today that question still remains open ended and largely unresolved.

Over my 40 years of deep involvement in the native plant movement, I have witnessed huge progress towards the ultimate goal of a sustainable native seed supply chain, in which supply chains effectively serve diverse seed demand in a way that integrates with, and enhances, local ecosystems. A reliable system is essential to serve heightening demand and preserve ecosystems in wildfire and flood zones, in and along public parks and highways, and amongst homeowners, developers, and the growing array of native plant and seed consumers re-greening our communities.