Seed Keepers: Native Seed Processing Workshop at Ryan Resilience Lab (Norfolk)

As part of Native American Heritage Month, join the Elizabeth River Project and the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe for a unique hands-on experience exploring the importance of native seeds, traditional ecological knowledge, and environmental stewardship. Working with native plant seeds harvested from the Ryan Resilience Lab, Paradise Creek Nature Park, and other locations along the Elizabeth River, participants will learn seed processing and storage techniques from Jennifer Alexander, Food Sovereignty and Compost Program Manager with the Upper Mattaponi Tribal Agricultural Resilience Program, while helping support the growth of our region’s native seed library.

What to Expect:

Interactive Learning: Gain hands-on experience cleaning and processing native plant seeds for long-term storage and future propagation.

Expert Guidance: Learn about seed stewardship, food sovereignty, and agricultural resilience from members of the Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe and Elizabeth River Project staff.

Community Impact: Help preserve native plant diversity while contributing to future restoration efforts throughout the Elizabeth River watershed.

Take Seeds Home or Give Back: Participants may take their processed seeds home or donate them to ERP for use in future restoration plantings at Knitting Mill Creek Park.

Learn more about ERP’s Native Plant Seed Library: https://elizabethriver.org/seed-list/

Whether you’re a gardener, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about native plants and Indigenous stewardship practices, this program offers a meaningful opportunity to connect with the land, learn new skills, and help support a healthier Elizabeth River ecosystem.

Arrive early for an optional tour of the Ryan Resilience Lab at 4:30pm

All are welcome – Donations appreciated, though not required, to support a healthy Elizabeth River and our commitment to providing equitable access to our river programming