The Sonoran Seed Summit - 

Join us for this one day event featuring 12 expert panelists in collaborative discussion evaluating ideas and strategies for native plant material development in Central Arizona. Participate with other land managers, botanists, conservation organizations and community stakeholders as we share mutual efforts to ensure a reliable supply of appropriate genetic materials for restoration.

The Sonoran Seed Summit is hosted by the Sonoran Seed Collaborative which is a native plant program dedicated to restoring Arizona desert parks and preserves.  Their work includes developing best practices for propagating species of native Sonoran Desert plants, harvesting for seeds, and planting the seeds for future restoration projects on public lands, parks and preserves in the region.  

Tickets will be available for purchase through March 25th. The Summit will be held in the Binns Pavilion at The Desert Botanical Garden.  Registrants will present their digital Summit ticket at the front gates of the Garden and will be guided to the Pavilion location.

SUMMIT GOALS - 

• To share information and have dialogue on the use of native plants in restoration
• To increase production of local native plant material and serve growing restoration needs 
• To encourage the removal of key invasive plant species in the Sonoran Desert.

EVENT FORMAT  -  Tuesday, April 5th 
All Summit sessions will be outdoors.  Attendees are advised to bring hats and refillable water bottle.

• 9:00-9:30 .......Registration & Coffee
• 9:30-10:15 ......Panelist Discussion I
• 10:15-10:30 ....BREAK
• 10:30-11:30 ....Panelist Discussion II
• 11:30-12:30 ....LUNCH (boxed lunch provided) 
• 12:30-1:30 ......Group Break-out Sessions
• 1:30-2:30  .......Wrap-Up - Review of Break-out Sessions
• 2:30-4:00  .......Optional Tour to Tovrea Castle and Native Seed Planting Site 
  

EXPERT PANELISTS from a variety of backgrounds including a native seed librarian, a native seed vendor, restoration ecologists, representatives from the county, city and state agencies and botanists. Read more here.