NRCS and its 25 Plant Materials Centers work with cooperating programs for the development of new conservation plants and new vegetative technology. These programs are important for extending the capabilities and coverage of the NRCS Plant Materials Program to meet priorities for natural resource conservation efforts. Here are a few of the programs we are currently working with.
Alaska Plant Materials Center, Palmer, Alaska
The Alaska Plant Materials Center was established in 1973 and is owned and operated by the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources. The Center provides testing, production, development, and distribution of materials to meet environmental requirements and promote commercial development of native species. The Center's mission is to develop and transfer state-of-the-art plant science technology to support the Alaskan agriculture industry. The Alaska Plant Materials Center advances applied plant research through five major Programs: State Seed Laboratory; Native Plant Commercialization Project; the Foundation /Breeder Seed Program; the Seed Conditioning Technology Laboratory; and the Potato Seed Program and Land Use Laboratory. The Land Use Laboratory includes projects addressing invasive weed/agricultural pests and storm water pollution. Go to the Alaska Plant Materials Center Web Site
Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center, Meeker, Colorado
The Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center is a non-profit facility owned and operated by the Douglas Creek and White River Conservation Districts. The Center works on revegetation of high elevation sites, to increase productivity of grazing lands in the cold desert, restore riparian zones, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat. The Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center works with NRCS and other Federal partners to select new conservation plants, increase native species for revegetation efforts, and develop new plant information. Go to Upper Colorado Environmental Plant Center Web Site
South Texas Natives, Kingsville, Texas
The South Texas Natives program of the Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Kingsville was started in 2000. South Texas Natives is an initiative to develop and promote native plants for the reclamation and restoration on private and public lands in South Texas. The program has released 26 new released native plant selections to commercial growers so far. South Texas Natives works very closely with the NRCS Kika de la Garza Plant Materials Center in Kingsville, Texas. Go to South Texas Natives Web Site
