2012 Certified Seed Collector Workshops
About the Seed Collector Program and Workshops
This program is dedicated to increasing the supply of locally adapted seed of native woody species for planting in Ontario. Seed collectors are the crucial first link in the chain of people who provide customers with planting material. In southern Ontario, seed collection is complicated by many variables - over 100 native trees and shrubs, infrequent seed years, uncertain markets and small operators in a private sector. Growers are not consistently able to get the native species seed they need - seed can be of poor quality, mis-identified by species and of unidentified source. In some cases collectors can get good seed but need help finding a market. Climate change also makes collection of high quality, source-identified seed more important than ever to support long term seed banking and strategic assisted migration efforts. This program, along with the seed biology information, provides participants with training in the science and logistics of collecting and marketing seed.
By participating in this program, signing a Code of Ethics and passing an exam (>70%), participants can become Certified Seed Collectors (CSC), eligible to register their source-identified seedlots with the Forest Gene Conservation Association’s seed source certification program, Ontario’s Natural Selections.
Participants will learn about:
1. Woody Plant Seed Biology - forecasting, collection, handling, processing and storage
2. Seed Certification - logistics of documenting, certifying and selling quality, source-identified seed
Workshop Costs
Certified Seed Collector Workshop Series is priced at $100 per day. Costs includes: Seed Manual of Ontario (value - $25), Insect Manual ($20), handouts, daily lunch & refreshments (please inform us of any dietary restrictions) and CSC Registration if you attend the 2 mandatory days, pass the exam (>70%) & sign the CSC Code of Ethics.
Day 1: Indoor Session
Tuesday June 19 or Tuesday August 21
9:30am - 4:30pm
Day 2: Collection Field Day
Wednesday August 22
8:30am – 3:00pm
* Optional Day: Early Forecasting Field Day
Wednesday June 20
8:30am – 3:00pm
Workshop Location:
Ontario Tree Seed Plant (20 minutes west of Barrie)
141 King St
Angus, Ontario
L0M 1B0
Click here for a map.
*On Indoor Session days bring jack knife or secateurs
*On Field Days bring note pad, camera, binoculars, jack knife or secateurs & field clothes (incl. gloves)
Click here to download the course overview.
For more information or to register contact Trees Ontario at 1-877-646-1193 or info@treesontario.ca.
