September 03

SOW MUCH MORE THAN WEEDS…and now for the FUND Part!

By Luna Saldana Lopez

In a time marked by environmental challenges and biodiversity loss, sowing native seeds has emerged as one promising way to allow us to simply observe the connection within ecosystems and to play a part in restoring the connections necessary for securing a sustainable future. Our $4YT fundraising campaign has grown to now offer particular native seeds as a “thank-you for your-support” rewards. We are committed to using your donation to impact students positively and offer you a small opportunity to impact the environment similarly in return. By understanding the importance of native plants and their wide-ranging benefits, we look to inspire our friends, our communities, and our policymakers to come together and take action.

The environmental movement around sowing native seeds is really nothing new; it has been around for a while. A quick search of the internet or social media will reveal communities of knowledgeable professionals and amateurs alike, dedicated to spreading the word on this topic. By working to restore ecosystems with native plants, we improve chances for biodiversity by creating habitats for a diverse set of interdependent wildlife, and concurrently promote a healthier and more balanced environment.

Native plants play a crucial role in the ecological restoration of degraded landscapes. On a larger scale, with their deep root systems, native seeds help improve soil health, reduce erosion, and increase water infiltration to rehabilitate damaged habitats within wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Basically, in the face of climate change, native seeds contribute to greater ecosystem resilience. In addition, restoring landscapes with native seeds assists in carbon sequestration, thereby reducing greenhouse gasses, and mitigating climate change impacts.

Promoting the use of native plants in landscaping and gardening practices offers numerous small scale benefits as well. Native species are better adapted to local climates, requiring less water, fertilizers, and pesticides. In being better adapted to local environmental conditions, they are also better equipped to withstand extreme weather events, droughts, and temperature fluctuations. This translates to reduced maintenance costs and healthier ecosystems. By delving more into the cultural significance of native plants, such as their use in indigenous medicine, food, and crafts, seed planters gain a greater appreciation for the value of traditional ecological knowledge.

Our hope is that this campaign can both engage and engender a reconsidered perspective in individuals and organizations around decisions involving deteriorating and forgotten land, urban areas, and even home gardens.This campaign is an awareness building invitation to individuals, businesses, and municipalities to become environmental stewards and make a positive impact on our planet. . As we sow native seeds together, we sow the seeds of a vibrant and resilient future for generations to come – one native seed and one native seed planter at a time.

Please check out our CONTRIBUTE PAGE . Help us reach our $10,000 funding goal for $4YT.  Get a reward. Grow change.