The Race to Save the American Landscape One Seed at a Time.

The article discusses the efforts to restore the American landscape by planting native plant species in areas that have been affected by environmental damage. Specifically, it focuses on the restoration of the Klamath River in Oregon, where hydroelectric dams have caused significant harm to the salmon population and the ecosystem. The removal of the dams was followed by the challenge of planting the right vegetation to prevent invasive weeds from taking over. The native seed industry plays a crucial role in this restoration work, but it faces challenges such as a lack of diversity and consolidation. Private equity firms have entered the industry, but there are concerns that their focus on profit may hinder ecosystem resilience. The US government is the largest purchaser of native seed and has made investments to support restoration projects. However, more needs to be done to meet the demand for native seed and support seed producers. The article emphasizes the importance of genetic diversity in native seed cultivation and the need for a balance between big seed companies and small-scale producers. [Extracted from the article]

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