Minnesota’s winter may feel long, but seeds are working behind the scenes, preparing for spring and supporting the pollinators that keep our landscapes vibrant. Recently, we had the chance to chat with the MN Seed Project team about their work cultivating native seeds, connecting communities, and helping Minnesotans take care of the land right in their own backyards.
Two Missions, One Goal: Seeds and Community
Courtney Tchida, Executive Director of MN Seed Project, shared that the organization has “two side-by-side missions.” One is to create a community of practice around seed activities, everything from collecting and cleaning seeds to sharing and swapping them. They also host workshops, including winter sowing events, to teach Minnesotans how to grow pollinator-friendly plants at home.
The second mission is to develop a locally adapted native free seed economy. In practice, this means producing seeds and making them freely available to the public, helping anyone interested in increasing native plants in their yards or community spaces access the tools they need.
Longtime gardener and seed librarian Dawn Lamm explained that her passion for seeds goes beyond gardening; it’s about collecting the stories and connections tied to the seeds, and how those connections strengthen our communities.
How You Can Get Involved
Steph Hankerson, another team member, encouraged anyone interested in MN Seed Project’s work to join their email list, follow their social media, and attend events. “We just want seeds in people’s hands,” she said. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced gardener, the team can guide you on propagating seeds, matching seeds to your growing location, and starting your own pollinator patches.
Winter sowing is a favorite method for the season. Using recyclable containers as mini-greenhouses, seeds are sown outdoors, exposed to rain, snow, and thaw cycles. As temperatures rise in spring, seeds germinate naturally, creating a regenerative, low-cost, and low-maintenance way to grow native plants.
Dawn added that patience is key: “Most of these seeds are perennials. The first year, they establish roots, the second year, they grow leaves, and by the third year, you’ll see flowers. It’s a slow, rewarding process.”
February 2026 MN Seed Project Events
Seed Swap on February 1st at 1492 Hewitt Ave, St Paul, MN 55104
Winter Sowing Workshop on February 12th at Ramsey County Environmental Center, 1700 Kent St, Roseville, MN 55113
White Bear Lake Farmer’s Market on February 14th at White Bear Lake Area High School, 5045 Division Ave, White Bear Lake, MN 55110
These events are open to anyone interested in learning, sharing, and planting native seeds in their communities.
Supporting Local Communities
Beyond workshops, MN Seed Project focuses on neighborhood projects like the Beeline Project, which rewilds boulevard spaces like the Pierce-Butler route. Seeds collected and propagated by the team are planted in these spaces to support pollinators and enhance biodiversity. “Seeing these areas transform from turf grass into thriving meadows fills me with joy,” Courtney said, recalling watching monarch butterflies on newly planted blue sage.
Steph also highlighted her work in urban tree planting, emphasizing the importance of diverse, pollinator-supporting species to restore balance and provide ecosystem services.
Loving Where We Live with MN Seed Project
When asked about their favorite places in Minnesota, Courtney shared her delight in her own yard pocket prairie and the test plot along the Beeline route. Steph finds joy in urban tree planting and natural areas like Blue Mound Prairies, while Dawn appreciates the variety of eco-regions Minnesota offers, from woods to grasslands. Each sees stewardship as a way to connect with our state’s land and community, fostering resilience for years to come.
MN Seed Project invites all Minnesotans to join them in collecting seeds, sharing knowledge, and creating beautiful, pollinator-friendly spaces. With a little care and patience, anyone can make a big impact, one seed at a time.