Students learning to propagate native plants at SPAWN's Watershed Nursery

With the generous support of a foundation grant and community in-kind, in 2006 SPAWN realized our dream to launch watershed native plant nursery to grow local genetic-stock of native species for our restoration projects to restore coho and steelhead habitat.

With funding in hand, a big challenge was to find a central location where we could set up a shadehouse and greenhouse to grow a diversity of native species. We put out the word, and shortly after a wonderful Valley family stepped forward offering us space on a ¼-acre parcel they owned in the town of Lagunitas.

We harvest rainwater to help irrigate our nursery and remote restoration sites. Shown at left is Dan McLeod. Photo: P. Bouley

With funds secured, a space to set up, and a group of very dedicated neighbors, we got right to work!

First, we cleared all the non-native French Broom that blanketed the parcel.

Second, Dan McLeod (longtime SPAWN volunteer) and our nursery neighbors jumped in to help us erect our portable 42×15-ft shadehouse.

Third, Steve Meyer (a dedicated conservationist and expert builder) helped us erect our small greenhouse which is totally "off the grid" and operated in the cooler months of the year.

Last (but not least), an AWESOME group of extremely dedicated neighbors and community volunteers stepped forward to staff the nursery weekly throughout the year to collect seeds and cuttings, nurture the next generation of natives, and train the hundreds of volunteers that come through each year in plant propagation techniques.

We now grow 3,500- 4,000 watershed-specific native plants of over 40 species. And our nursery now also features a 2,800 gallon roofwater harvesting system.

Mel Wright (Woodacre) is currently our Volunteer Native Plant Nursery Manager. You can contact Mel@SpawnUSA.org. Our dedicated team includes: Nancy Hanson (Woodacre), Bill Teufel (San Geronimo), Rob Katz (Woodacre/Novato), Lee Spiegel (San Anselmo). PLUS the many volunteers who join us throughout the year to regrow coho habitat!

For more info on how you can start a nursery in your watershed, contact Paola@Tirn.Net, 415-663-8590 ×111.