Seed Zone Toolkit

Native plant restoration is critical for Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems, watersheds, and cultural practices, but efforts are limited by insufficient seed supplies and restoration tools. Wildfires, increasing due to invasive grasses and climate change, and the 2023 Maui fires highlighted urgent gaps in conservation capacity. The Hawaiʻi Seed Bank Partnership (HSBP), a network of 33 organizations, is addressing this through the Hawaiʻi Seed Strategy, which prioritizes developing a genetically diverse native seed supply. A key tool is seed zones, geographic areas where plant materials can be used with minimal risk of maladaptation. Laukahi will create seed zone maps for the six main Hawaiian Islands, identifying approximately 50 zones based on the ʻōhiʻa seed collection maps, and provide an online user guide and workshop training to support land managers. Deliverables include interactive maps, digital files, and workshops, with success measured through downloads, website use, and participation.