The Grow with Us – Native Seed and Plant Exchange program, led by the Friends of Fish Creek Provincial Park Society, is creating a sustainable and community-driven approach to grassland restoration in Calgary. By rescuing native plants from development sites and redistributing them to community members, schools, and gardens, this initiative ensures that locally adapted plant species continue to thrive, even as urban expansion threatens Alberta’s native grasslands.
In 2024 alone, the program salvaged 15,000 native plants and 5.5 kg of seeds from over 100 grassland species, transplanting them into community seed banks and restoration sites in Fish Creek Provincial Park. Through a unique circular seed cycle, participants receive free native plants in exchange for collecting and returning seeds at the end of the season. These seeds are then propagated in the Friends of Fish Creek native plant nursery, ensuring a continuous supply of locally sourced vegetation for future restoration efforts.
By expanding native plant diversity, the program supports pollinators, prevents soil erosion, improves water retention, and enhances ecosystem resilience to climate change. Additionally, the initiative engages underserved communities, including newcomers, youth, and individuals with disabilities, providing hands-on learning opportunities that foster long-term environmental stewardship.
With only 1% of native grasslands remaining in Fish Creek Provincial Park, Grow with Us is empowering everyday Albertans to play an active role in conservation, ensuring that future generations inherit a healthier, more biodiverse landscape.
