This project will expand capacity to grow native trees, shrubs, and seeds to meet vermont's statewide restoration needs over the next four years

The Department of Agriculture Forest Service R9-Eastern Region awarded $500,000 to Intervale Center, Inc. on June 8, 2026, under the FY26 Community Project Funds program (CFDA 10.741) to expand capacity to grow native trees, shrubs, and seeds for Vermont's statewide restoration needs.

The award funds four years of activity through December 31, 2030. Intervale Center will strengthen native seed collection, storage, and propagation efforts by investing in staff and operational systems, improving propagation and distribution capacity, coordinating seed collection through the Riparian Lands Native Seed Partnership, and providing technical assistance and leadership to nurseries across Vermont. Deliverables include expanded nursery capacity, enhanced statewide seed collection and storage infrastructure, increased propagation output, and free trees and seeds supplied to priority conservation projects in support of the Vermont Forest Action Plan.

All work is performed in Vermont. Intervale Center is a Vermont-based nonprofit that operates as both a prime grant recipient and sub-recipient on federal environmental and natural-resource awards focused on native seed collection, tree and shrub propagation, and riparian habitat restoration across the Northeast.

The project supports the vermont forest action plan by strengthening native seed collection, storage, and propagation efforts. Activities include investing in staff and operational systems, improving propagation and distribution capacity, coordinating seed collection through the riparian lands native seed partnership, and providing leadership, technical assistance, and collaboration opportunities for nurseries across vermont. Funds will be used to expand nursery capacity, support staff and system improvements, enhance statewide seed collection and storage, increase propagation output, and provide free trees and seeds to priority conservation projects.