Native seed and plants are adapted to the local climate and soil condition. They require less maintenance, maintain climate-resilience, and assist in restoration and conservation goals. TRB hosted a webinar on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Eastern that highlighted the importance of locally adapted native seeds and the climate impacts of invasive species. Presenters discussed native seed and plant research and production. Presenters also discussed the increasing demand and state and national strategic applications.

This webinar is sponsored by TRB’s Standing Technical Committees on Roadside Maintenance Operations and Landscape and Environmental Design.

The slides are linked in the meeting materials. View the recorded webinar below.

Webinar agenda and presenters

1. Importance of locally adapted native seeds – Frances Kilkenny, U.S. Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Research Station

2. Development of commercially available, locally adapted native seed sources – Tony Falk, Texas Native Plant Program

3. Caltrans strategies, applications, and collaborations – Ken Murray, California Department of Transportation

4. Question and answer session moderated by Brian Smith, Federal Highway Administration

The first 60 minutes of the webinar were for presentations and the final 30 minutes were reserved for audience questions.

Learning Objectives

At the end of this webinar, participants can:

1. Identify the importance of locally adapted native seeds

2. Utilize strategies for native seed and plant development

3. Meet restoration and conservation goals and future seed needs with strategies, applications, and collaborations

Professional Development Hours

This webinar was delivered as a scheduled – e-learning live event and is categorized within RCEP as Technical, Health and Safety.

Professional Development Hours (PDHs) earned on completion of this program were reported to the Registered Continuing Education Program (RCEP). Certificates of Completion are issued to all participants via the RCEP.net online system. Complaints about registered providers may be addressed to RCEP, 1015 15th Street, NW, 8th Fl., Washington, DC, 20005.

American Institute of Certified Planners Certification Maintenance Credits

This webinar was approved by the American Planning Association (APA) for 1.5 Certification Maintenance (CM) Credits. CM credits provide continuing education opportunities for AICP Certified Planners to continue their professional skills and knowledge. To receive CM credits, Certified Planners should visit the TRB event webpage on American Planning Association and register their participation. If you have problems reporting your CM credits or have general questions about the CM program, please contact the APA.