CONTRACTORS' CORNER

 

Welcome to the National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank Project contract seed collector’s page. Here you can find information on how to appropriately make a seed collection for the seed bank, how to ship your seeds, herbarium specimens and data collection forms to us, how to get paid (very important!) and bios for our current contract seed collectors.

At the Chicago Botanic Garden we are collecting and seedbanking seeds of native plants throughout the Midwest and northern Great Plains for the National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank Project in collaboration with the National Seeds of Success Project and the Millennium Seed Bank Project. Given that the best seed collections are made when target populations can be frequently visited and monitored, we are looking for qualified botanists and seed collectors to help contribute to the project.

The majority of contract seed collectors are individuals that either work in natural areas, are students studying or conducting research at specific sites or preserves, or are avid botanists looking to earn a bit for their passion. We are looking for individuals that will work independently while making seed collections for us. Contract seed collectors are expected to choose their target species, collect herbarium vouchers, and complete data forms for each collection including GPS locations. If needed, Chicago Botanic Garden staff will provide training to prospective contractors and can loan a few plant presses/GPS units on a first-come, first-served basis. Contact us at msb@chicagobotanic.org if you are interested in becoming a contract seed collector for the National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank and helping to conserving the biodiversity of the tallgrass prairie ecoregion.

 

Seed Collecting Forms & Protocols
Shipping Information
Payment Information
Contractor Bios
F.A.Q.