The Northern Colorado Native Plant and Seed Swaps are a wonderful way to get native plants and seeds into the hands and yards of community members.
Our partner organizations plan and fundraise for the Swaps and run year-round events to help people engage in hands-on learning with native plant material. Community involvement, partnership and funding is key to the continued success of these events, which have grown to engage more than 1,000 members of the public annually.
NoCo Native Seed Swap and Giveaway is open 11am-2pm on November 15th at the Gardens on Spring Creek (entry is free).You DO NOT need to sign up just to attend the event and take home seeds. You DO NOT need to donate seeds to take some home.
Read on to find out how you can get involved, donate your own native seed or plant materials to the Swaps, or donating funding or supplies.
How Do the Swaps Work?
The native seed swap and giveaway is every fall in November at the Gardens on Spring Creek. 150 or more species are available, including flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. The Native Plant Swap is in June at the Fort Collins Eco Fest. Between 4000-5000 plants are given away each year.
Events are free and open to the public, but donations are accepted. You are welcome to bring native plants or seeds to share. You do not have to donate to take something home. Read below for donating and collecting native plant materials responsibly.
We provide information and resources to help you care for your plants, pick out and grow seeds, as well as transition to sustainable native landscapes. Year-round learning opportunities are offered through a series of workshops through our partners and volunteer events to collect & clean seeds as well as propagate native plants.
How You Can Help
Seed collections, cleaning and planting events all support the Swaps. By volunteering you learn how to use native seeds in your garden and connect with others in the community.
Donate funds to sponsor supplies for swaps such as soil, pots, seeds, plant labels, gas for the plant mobile, and more. Record Plant/Seed Swap in the additional notes section so we know your donation support native plants and community gardening.
Donate Native Seeds and Native Plants Responsibly
- Always get permission and know what you are collecting – do not collect rare or threatened species or introduced species listed as noxious weeds.
- NEVER dig wild plants on public land – only collect cuttings or seeds from wild populations.
- Collect only what you need or will share with others.
- Do not share plants visibly infested with bugs or other diseases.
- Learn from the Wild Ones collecting and cleaning native seed guide
You can drop off seeds/plants at the events about 30 minutes ahead of time. Those with large quantities of seeds/plants are encouraged to reach out to annemarie@wrv.org ahead of time to arrange a pre-event drop-off in Fort Collins or Longmont. If possible, email annemarie@wrv.org the species name(s) so we can prepare information for attendees about your seeds.
Why Native Plants?
Growing native plants is great way to attract and support wildlife, conserve water, and create a beautiful sustainable landscape. To find out more, visit these resources and partner sites:
- Colorado Native Plant Society offers plant guides for your region and bookstore to help you learn identification skills.
- Wild Ones Native Plant Species Sheet Quick reference guide to propagating and growing over 120 species of native plants from our Region. And a guide to Native Seed Germination
- People and Pollinators Action Network news and resources blog
- Visit the Northern Water demonstration gardens in Berthoud for design ideas and inspiration.
Partner Organizations
Sponsors
People & Pollinators Action Network
Northern Water
Colorado Native Plant Society
Greeley Morning Garden Club
Columbine Garden Club
Poudre Heritage Alliance
Colorado Department of Public Health & the Environment
Gardens on Spring Creek
