Native Plant Nursery
What is a native plant and why is it important?
In North America, native plant species are generally accepted as species occurring on the continent prior to European colonization. These species have been here for thousands of years, co-evolving in a localized area beside other native plants, animals, and indigenous tribes. Native plants in the Willamette Valley are adapted to long, wet winters and warmer, drier summers. They create the foundation for intricate food webs found in each of our many ecosystems: wet meadows, vernal pools, rocky riverbanks, oak savannas, upland prairies, mixed conifer forests, and so many more. Native plants support local biodiversity, from the tiny microbes in our soil all the way to megafauna, like elk and cougars. In addition, native wetland species aid in water filtration for cleaner river systems, while native trees and shrubs improve air quality by storing large quantities of carbon dioxide.
What is the Friends of Buford Park & Mt. Pisgah Native Plant Nursery?
The primary purpose of the nursery is to cultivate seeds for stewardship of projects in the greater Mount Pisgah area. Each year, The Friends sow hundreds of pounds of native plant seeds, grown in-house, in the footprint of ecological burns, areas where blackberries and other non-native invasive plants have been removed, decommissioned trails and other disturbed areas. The nursery grows approximately 130 different native plant species, each with their own plot, at our 2.25-acre facility located in the North Bottomlands of Howard Buford Recreation Area. These plots were established with seed collected within 5 miles of the park in order to maintain local genetic diversity. After each annual harvest, surplus nursery seed is made available to our partner agencies, including Rivers to Ridges, Upper Willamette Stewardship Network, Mount Pisgah Arboretum, watershed councils, and many more. We also offer plant materials for sale to the public twice a year at our spring and fall native plant sales.
Become a Nursery Supporter: provide financial support to ensure a successful seed harvest.
Financially supporting the nursery is a great way to help create a more beautiful and bountiful future for folks in the community, both human and animal. As a grassroots organization, every little bit makes a huge difference here, and we sincerely thank you for your contribution. Click HERE to donate as a Nursery Supporter.
Volunteer at the nursery!
Volunteers are key to our success. Join us year-round on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and the 1st and 3rd Saturdays of the month. Tasks vary depending on time of year, but the comradery is ever-present! We’ll be germinating seeds in the greenhouse, infilling beds, maintaining plots, harvesting seed, cleaning seed, and enjoying the company of plant-minded people. We welcome everyone: individuals or groups, no experience necessary. Just bring yourself and we’ll provide the gloves, tools, and instruction needed. Sign up HERE or contact volunteer@bufordpark.org with any questions. We look forward to having you!
Annual Plant Sales Open to Public
Would you like to grow native plants in your yard? Twice a year, the nursery hosts a plant sale open to public. Our spring sale occurs the first Saturday in May, while our fall sale occurs the first Saturday in November. The spring sale is a perfect time to peruse blooming forbs, both perennial and annual. The fall plant sale takes place just in time to introduce native shrub species to your yard. Preorders available a month before the sale, and pickup is in-person at the nursery.