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Task 2: Source Seedlings - Project Template

Part of: Plan Section (Vision → Plan → Reality)
Type: Template/Playbook for Small Plot Restoration
Status: Template - Customize for Your Project

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Purpose​

Once you've identified the right species, you need to find high-quality, healthy seedlings from reputable sources. Quality seedlings are essential for high survival rates and successful ecosystem restoration.

This is a template. Customize supplier selection, sourcing strategies, and quality standards based on your specific region, species needs, and budget.

🎯 Non-Negotiables (Science Consensus)​

These must be followed - they are based on scientific consensus:

  1. Native Species Only: Only native species seedlings should be sourced. Non-native species can disrupt ecosystem function.

  2. Local Provenance Preferred: When possible, use locally-sourced seeds/seedlings from the same region. Local genetic material is best adapted to local conditions.

  3. Disease-Free Stock: Seedlings must be disease-free and healthy. Introducing diseased stock can harm the entire restoration project.

  4. Proper Documentation: All seedlings must be documented with species, provenance, source, and date. This is essential for tracking and adaptive management.

  5. Quality Standards: Seedlings must meet minimum quality standards (healthy roots, appropriate size, no damage). Poor quality seedlings have high mortality.

🔀 Options & Pathways​

Pathway A: Professional Native Plant Nurseries​

When to use: Larger projects, when quality is critical, have budget, want expert support

Approach:

  • Work with specialized native plant nurseries
  • Professional quality standards
  • Expert advice and support
  • Reliable supply and delivery
  • Higher cost but guaranteed quality

Pros:

  • Highest quality
  • Expert support
  • Reliable supply
  • Professional standards

Cons:

  • Higher cost (€5-15 per seedling)
  • May have minimum orders
  • Less flexible on timing

Pathway B: Conservation Organizations​

When to use: Restoration projects, limited budget, want subsidized pricing, value partnerships

Approach:

  • Work with conservation organizations
  • Subsidized pricing for restoration
  • Technical support included
  • May have limited species
  • Partnership benefits

Pros:

  • Lower cost (€2-5 per seedling)
  • Restoration focus
  • Technical support
  • Partnership benefits

Cons:

  • Limited species selection
  • May have requirements
  • Longer lead times
  • Less flexible

Pathway C: Community Seed Banks & Propagation​

When to use: Community engagement focus, want local genetic material, educational goals, long timeline

Approach:

  • Collect local seeds
  • Community propagation
  • Local nurseries or volunteers
  • Best local adaptation
  • Educational value

Pros:

  • Best local genetics
  • Lowest cost (€0-2 per seedling)
  • Community engagement
  • Educational value

Cons:

  • Requires lead time (1-2+ years)
  • Requires expertise
  • More coordination
  • Variable quality

Pathway D: Hybrid Approach​

When to use: Most projects - balance of quality, cost, and local adaptation

Approach:

  • Professional nurseries for key species
  • Conservation organizations for others
  • Local propagation for special cases
  • Mix based on availability and needs

Pros:

  • Good balance
  • Flexible
  • Cost-effective
  • Local adaptation where possible

Cons:

  • Requires coordination
  • Multiple suppliers
  • May need planning

📋 Implementation Steps​

Step 1: Identify Potential Suppliers​

Supplier Types:

Native Plant Nurseries:

  • Specialize in native species
  • Often have expertise in local ecology
  • May offer smaller quantities
  • Usually more expensive but higher quality

Conservation Organizations:

  • May have seedling programs
  • Often subsidized pricing for restoration projects
  • Can provide technical support
  • May have limited species selection

Government Forestry Programs:

  • Sometimes offer free/subsidized seedlings
  • May have requirements (land size, management plans)
  • Limited to certain species
  • Can have long lead times

Commercial Suppliers:

  • Large quantities available
  • Competitive pricing
  • May not specialize in natives
  • Quality can vary

Community Seed Banks:

  • Local seed collection and propagation
  • Best local genetic adaptation
  • May need lead time for growing
  • Supports community engagement

Step 2: Evaluate Supplier Quality​

Key Questions to Ask:

About the Seedlings:

  • Are they grown from locally-sourced seeds?
  • What is the genetic provenance (origin)?
  • What age/size are the seedlings?
  • What is the typical survival rate?
  • Are they disease-free and certified?
  • What container type (bare root, pot, plug)?

About Growing Conditions:

  • Were they grown in conditions similar to planting site?
  • What fertilizers/treatments were used?
  • Are they hardened off for field conditions?

Logistics:

  • What is the lead time for orders?
  • What quantities are available?
  • What is the delivery schedule?
  • What are the costs (per seedling, delivery, etc.)?
  • What guarantees or warranties are offered?

Step 3: Determine Quantities​

Calculate Needs Based On:

Planting Area:

  • Total hectares to be planted
  • Desired tree density (trees per hectare)
  • Species mix proportions

Expected Survival Rate:

  • Order 20-30% more than needed
  • Account for mortality during establishment
  • Have backup seedlings for replacement

Example Calculation:

Area: 1 hectare
Density: 1,000 trees/hectare (dense restoration planting)
Base need: 1,000 seedlings
Buffer (25%): 250 seedlings
Total order: 1,250 seedlings

Species Breakdown: Apply your species mix percentages to determine quantities for each species.

Step 4: Request Quotes​

Information to Provide:

  • Species and quantities needed
  • Preferred seedling size/age
  • Delivery location and timing
  • Your organization status (NGO for potential discounts)
  • Project overview (restoration vs. commercial)

Compare:

  • Price per seedling
  • Delivery costs
  • Payment terms
  • Lead time
  • Quality certifications
  • Support/advice offered

Step 5: Time Your Order​

Critical Timing Considerations:

Planting Season:

  • Match delivery to optimal planting time
  • Avoid summer planting (high mortality)
  • Plan for appropriate season in your region

Lead Time:

  • Native nurseries: 3-6 months minimum
  • Custom propagation: 6-12+ months
  • Popular species: may require 1+ year advance order

Delivery Window:

  • Schedule delivery 1-2 weeks before planting
  • Seedlings should be planted ASAP after delivery
  • Don't order too early (storage challenges)
  • Weather backup plan if planting delayed

Step 6: Arrange Storage​

If Temporary Storage Needed:

Short-term (1-2 weeks):

  • Keep in original containers
  • Store in shade
  • Water regularly (don't let dry out)
  • Protect from wind and extreme temperatures
  • Maintain 100% humidity if possible

Longer-term Storage (avoid if possible):

  • Heeling in (planting temporarily in soil)
  • Cold storage facility (for bare root)
  • Professional nursery boarding

Step 7: Inspect Upon Delivery​

Quality Checks:

Visual Inspection:

  • ✅ Healthy green foliage
  • ✅ Strong, undamaged stems
  • ✅ Well-developed root system
  • ✅ No signs of disease or pests
  • ✅ Appropriate size for species/age

Red Flags:

  • ❌ Wilted or yellow leaves
  • ❌ Broken or damaged stems
  • ❌ Root-bound or circling roots
  • ❌ Mold or fungal growth
  • ❌ Insect infestation

Documentation:

  • Count seedlings received
  • Photograph overall delivery
  • Document any quality issues
  • Report problems immediately to supplier

💡 Customization Notes​

When using this template for your project:

  1. Regional Suppliers: Identify suppliers in your specific region

  2. Species Availability: Check what species are actually available - this may limit your choices

  3. Budget: Choose sourcing pathway based on available resources

  4. Timeline: Plan lead times - some species may need 1+ year advance orders

  5. Local Adaptation: Prioritize local provenance when possible

  6. Quality Standards: Define minimum quality standards for your project

Remember: This is a template. Your actual project will have specific species needs, regional suppliers, and budget constraints that make it unique.

Next Steps​

Once seedlings are sourced: → Task 3: Prepare Land

Remember: Quality seedlings are essential for successful restoration. Invest time in finding the right suppliers.

This is a template. Customize it for your project.