20th Anniversary Program Spotlight: Plant Materials

For the past 20 years, Irvine Ranch Conservancy (IRC) has remained committed to its mission to protect, restore and enhance tens of thousands of acres of wildlands across Southern California. Central to this mission are the native plant species that are the foundation of thriving local ecosystems. Much of IRC’s other work cannot happen without the key species that make up a rich and diverse plant community.

The Plant Materials team is woven into all aspects of IRC’s mission by farming native plants to ensure a sustainable seed source, restoring natural landscapes with locally adapted species and enhancing the health of Orange County’s habitats for future generations. All of this starts with a seed. To maintain a robust inventory of seeds and plants, IRC staff and volunteers work year-round to collect, process and store native plant materials. Their efforts ensure that restoration projects have access to high-quality, locally sourced seeds.

First, the team collects small, genetically diverse seed samples from naturally occurring plant populations. Seed collection follows strict guidelines.  For most plant species, the team is careful to only collect up to 20% of seeds from individual plants. For rare, threatened, or endangered plant species this is further limited to only collecting 5% of the seeds from individual plants.  This method preserves the natural seed-dropping process, allowing existing plant populations to continue thriving at an already established location.  It is preferred to collect seeds from local plants because they will be well-suited to local conditions, increasing their chances of survival once reintroduced into the wild while conserving genetic diversity in local plant populations, and biodiversity in general. 

After collection, seeds undergo a thorough cleaning process to prevent mold, remove invasive weed seeds, reduce storage space and extend shelf life. Clean seeds are then stored in climate-controlled refrigeration units equipped with dehumidifiers to maintain optimal conditions until they are ready for planting. 

Some are planted directly at restoration sites, while others are cultivated at the Native Seed Farm using traditional agricultural and nursery techniques to produce sufficient plant material to support restoration. The Native Seed Farm came to fruition about 15 years ago; IRC faced the challenge of needing plant materials, such as seeds and container plants, for habitat restoration projects throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. IRC staff, in partnership with OC Parks, the City of Irvine, and the City of Newport Beach, decided to become farmers. 

Launched in 2009 with just one shade-house and no infrastructure, the farm has since relocated and expanded. In 2016, the Native Seed Farm relocated to its current site in Irvine. Today, it features two shade-houses, a seed processing facility, cold storage bins, a dedicated drying area, an on-site office, and a shaded staging space. Over the past two decades, the farm has undergone significant improvements, producing up to a thousand pounds of seed annually.

“It’s really cool to see an organization reach the 20-year point,” said Jesse Potter, Plant Materials Project Manager. “At the time, the Native Seed Farm was a pretty novel idea, to grow native plants in a traditional agricultural setting, but it changed how we provide seeds for restoration. It’s proof that this practice works and is worth continuing.”

IRC’s Native Seed Farm, a relatively up-and-coming concept, has become a model for other organizations exploring similar approaches. IRC regularly shares its expertise with groups across Southern California seeking information and guidance on native plant farm management and restoration strategies.

Beyond its role in restoration, the farm also serves as a public education space. Five years ago, IRC added a Demonstration Garden that showcases native plants as they appear in the wild. Through hands-on activities and educational events, visitors learn about local wildlands and contribute to IRC’s restoration efforts.

In addition to cultivating common native plants, the Plant Materials team collaborates with partners to propagate rare and endangered species not readily available on IRC-managed lands. For a recent restoration project at Crystal Cove State Park, IRC included six rare species to enhance the habitat and help secure their populations in the park. Propagation of rare plant species requires extra precaution to ensure adequate genetic diversity is maintained. While some seeds were entirely collected from existing plant populations, the team chose to partner with the California Botanic Garden to produce container plants of two species and larger quantities of seed of one other species of rare plant.

Through careful seed collection, cultivation and collaboration, IRC’s Plant Materials team ensures that native plants continue to protect, restore and enhance the wildlands of Orange County. Their work not only supports resilient ecosystems but also inspires a deeper connection between people and the natural landscapes that surround them.

Stay tuned this year for more ways to help celebrate 20 years of stewardship with IRC!