Alderville First Nation produces, collects, treats, stores & grows native plant seeds from AFN lands. In order to maintain sovereignty over this seed, AFN does not currently provide seed or native plants to the public. Our plants are produced for ecological restoration projects within AFN, the Rice Lake Plains Partnership, and other partner organizations.
We are currently developing a seed-sharing agreement that will outline allow AFN to share seed with parties who agree to the guidelines and expectations outlined within the agreement.
In North America, grassland habitats exist in only 3% of their original range. Surviving grasslands in Ontario are small, fragmented and highly degraded; threatening ecosystem resilience. The grassland and native plant conservation efforts supported by the MNPN are significant and unique.
Grassland ecosystems are highly effective carbon sinks, sequestering an average of 1.7 metric tons of CO2 per acre/year. Restoring grassland ecosystems to sequester carbon is now being recognized as a strong climate change mitigation measure. The AFN lands currently managed by the Alderville BOS and supported by the MNPN have an approximate carbon-sequestering power of 340 metric tons of CO2 per year.
Restored grassland and native plant root systems also allow the soil to optimally absorb and retain rainwater through improved soil structure/porosity.
We have existing partnerships with local school boards which allow us to produce native plants and install teaching gardens for K-12 programming. Our services include garden consultation (determining theme and appropriate plant species), assisting in planting and installation, and supplying plants. Please note it is the responsibility of the school to determine a summer maintenance plan for their garden.