Native seed banks collect and preserve seeds from wild plants, including rare and threatened species, to support conservation and ecological restoration.

Unlike agricultural seed banks, which primarily protect crop varieties, native seed banks focus on plants adapted to specific regions, soils and climates. These seeds may later be used to restore habitats damaged by wildfires, flooding, development or invasive species.

Seeds are generally collected from multiple healthy plants to preserve genetic diversity, then cleaned, dried and stored under carefully controlled conditions. Germination testing helps determine whether they remain viable over time.

Seed banks cannot replace habitat protection, but they provide an important safeguard. By preserving locally adapted plant material, they help ensure that the right seeds are available when damaged ecosystems need assistance recovering.