ARCHIVED MARSB NEWSLETTER SERIES
Publish Date: July 22, 2023
2023 National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine
From 2019-2022, MARSB executive director, Ed Toth, served on a National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine committee to study native seed supply in the U.S. We include the quote above from the final report "An Assessment of Native Seed Needs and the Capacity for Their Supply," to highlight the growing need for bulked, ecoregional, native seed.
As we experience eerie skies cast by wildfires and dismal air quality reports; the haze is a reminder of the important work to be done — that is being done — in the name of ecological restoration. This newsletter shines a light on the MARSB Grower Outreach Program, led by our Grower Outreach Coordinator, Michael Butts.
The continued engineering of a resilient Mid-Atlantic Native Plant Material (NPM) supply chain relies on frontline growers — folks who are literally establishing roots (and seeds) for generations to come.
In this newsletter, learn more about Michael Butts and his support for growers, find information about our new volunteer/intern opportunity, get to know MARSB’s newest board member, Denise Costich, and more.
— Your MARSB Team
MARSB Grower Outreach Program
Supporting Growth
In alignment with MARSB’s mission to build a sustainable native plant material supply chain in the Mid-Atlantic, the Grower Outreach & Support Program provides technical assistance and resources for native plant growers.
The entire spectrum, from novice growers to experienced wholesalers, can take advantage of the wide variety of services that the Grower Outreach & Support Program has to offer.
These services include technical guidance with native plant greenhouse production, seed increase operations, seed cleaning demonstrations and equipment sharing programs, workshops, access to MARSB ecotype seed, business model and financial advisement.
Backed With Experience
Michael has a background in native plant greenhouse propagation and production, seed increase operations, nursery management (including infrastructure repair, maintenance, and construction), seed cleaning, seed collecting, personnel management, and grant writing.
He managed the seed increase operations for the Greenbelt Native Plant Center (NYC Parks) from 2014-21 and was the director of the Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation Seedling Nursery from 2022-25.
Growers can contact Michael for all ranges of services. Michael can offer virtual assistance as well as in-person technical training. Please schedule an appointment by email or phone.
In Person or Virtual Contact:
631-507-1946
The MARSB grower outreach program is excited to be working with two state institution-based seed increase initiatives led by the Virginia Tech Department of Environmental Sciences & the University of Maryland Extension. MARSB is assisting with Generation 1 grower partnerships in these programs.
MARSB activities include assistance and consultations via virtual grower support, collaboration amongst partners for planning and species selection, in-person field establishment, planting, cultivation, harvesting, storing/processing seed, and next steps through the restoration chain. For more information on these two programs, reach out to:
Phoebe Judge, Virginia Tech Dept of Environmental Sciences: jphoebe@vt.edu
MARSB Volunteer/Intern Opportunity
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank is seeking a volunteer or intern to help develop and improve our online grower resources tool. This project will support regional growers, farmers, gardeners, and seed stewards by making practical seed production information easier to access and use.
Responsibilities may include organizing content, data entry, researching and compiling resources, assisting with website development, improving user experience, and helping create educational materials. Ideal candidates are interested in native plants and nursery production, agriculture, seed saving, web content management, or digital communications.
This is a flexible, remote-friendly opportunity to contribute to regional seed sovereignty and agricultural resilience while gaining hands-on experience with a mission-driven project.
To learn more or express interest, please contact us at info@marsb.org
MARSB Wants To Connect With Growers
MARSB is looking to connect with new native plant growers in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Eastern Ohio. Initial consultations will be scheduled virtually, and site visits can follow.
Please reach out to Michael Butts mbutts@marsb.org for grower support. Technical assistance can be provided regarding nursery infrastructure improvements, grant and funding opportunities, regional partnerships, seed increase, and greenhouse operations.
Resource Library Coming Soon
The MARSB grower outreach program is developing an online resource for new, emerging, and established native plant growers. Check out the MARSB website for updates. Below are some of the features that will be searchable via the grower resources page on the MARSB website:
Protocols for seed pre-treatment
Seed stratification data by species
Greenhouse, Bareroot, & Seed Increase operations
Plug production
Cultivation
Harvesting
Seed processing
New MARSB YouTube Episode
Take a virtual field trip and learn about Blue Cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides).
Find the MARSB YouTube channel HERE>>
Pictured: Blue Cohosh flower, Photo credit / USGS.Gov