Across the Northeast, interest in native plants continues to grow, and with it comes a need for regionally appropriate seed to support restoration projects, public landscapes, conservation efforts, and designed plantings. Yet reliable sources of New England-origin native seed remain limited, particularly at the scale required for larger projects. Through conversations with growers, landscape architects, ecologists, municipalities, and conservation organizations, we’ve heard the same challenge again and again.
Sanborn Hill Seed Farm is our response.
Situated on 23 acres in central New Hampshire, the farm serves as the home of our New England ecotypic seed increase program. Here, wild-collected seed from carefully documented regional populations is grown out, increased, and stewarded to help supply native plants and seed with known regional provenance. Rather than relying on continued wild collection, the farm allows us to expand availability while reducing pressure on natural populations and helping return locally adapted genetics to the landscapes that need them.
Perched on a hillside overlooking the surrounding countryside, Sanborn Hill is also a place for learning, collaboration, and connection. The historic property supports seed production, processing, and storage, while providing space for workshops, professional gatherings, research partnerships, and educational programs. As the farm continues to evolve, we hope it becomes a welcoming resource for native plant professionals, conservation practitioners, and land stewards throughout the region.
At its heart, Sanborn Hill is about participation in a regional cycle: seed gathered with care, increased thoughtfully, and returned to the landscape as plants and seed that support ecological resilience for generations to come. It is one small part of the work needed to strengthen native plant communities across New England, and we are grateful to be doing that work alongside so many dedicated partners.