“The demand for native plants is growing, driven by the need to meet climate and biodiversity restoration targets, as well as increasing interest in habitat gardening as people respond to climate change, biodiversity loss, and a desire to reconnect with nature. Yet, a critical shortage of native plants persists, threatening our ability to meet these priorities and restoration timelines. The SOSS aims to increase the supply and support the demand for genetically appropriate native seed, advancing restoration and reconciliation of people, wildlife and landscapes across southern Ontario.”
Jennifer Nantais, Healthy Habitat Manager, Carolinian Canada
"Indigenous stewardship of our lands and waters is a tradition that spans millennia, embodying a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all living things. In stepping forward to address the urgent needs of our ecosystems through the cultivation and propagation of native plants, we are not only working towards climate resilience and biodiversity restoration but are also honoring a legacy of ecological harmony. This report lights the path for a future where Indigenous wisdom and leadership are central to the healing and flourishing of our natural world. Together, through collaboration and mutual respect, we can cultivate landscapes that are not only resilient but also reflective of the rich cultural heritage and ecological knowledge that Indigenous Peoples bring to the table. It is time for us to grow together, nurturing the seeds of hope for a sustainable and reconciled future."
Sam Whiteye, Indigenous Leadership Director, Carolinian Canada
“Seeds are the foundation of all life on earth. Each species, all of them provide hope for growing healthy and productive ecosystems that are essential to all wildlife and human life. The Southern Ontario Seed Strategy will bring communities together, restore our relationship with seeds and help create a sustainable future for the next generations.”
Dan Werner, Operations Manager, Kayanase Greenhouse
“We all know and feel the intrinsic value and benefits of native plants. Those inherent benefits are why so many of us are so heavily involved in the business of promoting, profiling, and growing native plants. To meet growing needs for plants, we must increase the quantity and diversity of quality native seeds. Collectively, we also need to encourage and facilitate investment in a range of research topics that profile the ecological goods and services value of native plants, their value in supporting sectors like agriculture, business, recreation and of course the environment, and the real costs incurred by their losses.”
Rob Messervey, Vice-Chair, Ontario Native Plant Growers Association
"We need to take seeds seriously. Unfortunately, that means doing the very un-glamourous work of long-term planning and improving communication between the sectors that generate demand for native plant seeds and those that supply. Without a large and sustainable source of ecologically appropriate seed we won't come close to meeting our restoration goals."
S. D. Weber, PhD, Director, Ontario Plant Restoration Alliance
"The Greenbelt Foundation is proud to be a long-term supporter of the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy, which aligns with our mission to restore ecosystems and promote climate resilience. This initiative is crucial for fostering biodiversity, enhancing climate resilience, and building stronger connections between Indigenous knowledge and environmental stewardship. By increasing the supply of native seeds and plants, we can not only restore ecosystems but also promote sustainable practices that benefit future generations."
Edward McDonnell, CEO, The Greenbelt Foundation
“The Southern Ontario Seed Strategy has brought together the brightest and kindest native seed and plant folks in Ontario to create an inclusive restoration economy, one that includes seed collectors and growers, educators and politicians, scientists and Indigenous knowledge keepers, and gardeners and conservationists. The David Suzuki Foundation is thrilled to participate in this initiative.”
Colleen Cirillo, Nature in Communities Coordinator, David Suzuki Foundation
"It was an honour for the Canadian Wildlife Federation to partner with Carolinian Canada on the development of the Southern Ontario Seed Strategy and their collaborative, two-eyed seeing approach. Native seeds represent hope for the future and restoration of land and relationships are possible with good intentions, hard work, and seeds. We envision a future for southern Ontario with degraded land restored to its native vegetation and the resulting benefits to biodiversity and people."
Carolyn Callaghan, Senior Conservation Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Federation
