Native Seed Mix Design and Evaluation for Wet Sites

Most large scale native habitat plantings rely on seed mixes, and this is especially true - and especially challenging - on wet sites. In shoreland and wetland restorations, plant diversity is critical for pollinators, wildlife, water quality, and long term ecological resilience. Selecting the right mix requires careful attention to hydrology, soil saturation, fluctuating water levels, ice scour, and seasonal inundation. Species must be adapted not only to wet conditions, but to the specific timing, duration, and variability of flooding, as well as shoreline disturbance and erosion dynamics.

Building high quality native seed mixes that establish reliably in wet environments, reflect natural plant communities, meet conservation practice standards, and remain cost effective requires training and experience. Designers must be familiar with regional wetland flora, species establishment traits, seed availability, and the effective use of tools such as seed calculators. This workshop combines classroom instruction, a panel discussion with wetland restoration professionals, and hands on, small group exercises focused on evaluating and designing seed mixes for shoreland and wetland restoration using seeding calculators and complementary planning tools.