Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program is sponsored by Wild Ones. Provides funding for native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth in planning, planting, and caring for native plant gardens.

Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program - WildOnes. org Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program “Every school needs a nature trail; and every person-adult or young-needs a bit of wilderness, if wonder, reverence and awe are to be cultivated. ” Justice William O.

Douglas It is with this notion in mind that the 1996 Wild Ones Board of Directors created the Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Fund. The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program (SFE) is named for Wild Ones’ lifetime Honorary Director, Lorrie Otto, the founding inspiration for Wild Ones. Lorrie’s life work with students, young and old, was to cultivate wonder, reverence, and awe for Nature and all Her creatures.

For nearly 30 years, this donor-supported program has helped schools, nature centers, youth organizations, libraries, and community groups create native plant gardens that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. Today, Seeds for Education primarily provides native plant grants , making it easier than ever for organizations to establish outdoor learning spaces that support both education and biodiversity.

Examples include Prairie and meadow plantings Monarch habitat and waystations Woodland restoration projects Native shrub and tree plantings Vegetable gardens and projects using non-native plants are not eligible. Most Seeds for Education awards are provided as a native plant award , with plants shipped directly to recipients through Wild Ones’ plant fulfillment partner, My Home Park.

Rather than providing a standard package, Wild Ones works with each award recipient after selection to determine the most appropriate plant materials for their project. Award size, plant selection, and quantities are based on factors such as the planting site’s size, growing conditions, educational goals, and regional availability.

Plant selections emphasize native species appropriate for the project’s location and are intended to help recipients establish successful, sustainable outdoor learning spaces. In limited circumstances, organizations may request a cash grant (up to $500) when a plant grant is not feasible. Cash awards must be used exclusively to purchase locally sourced native plants or native seed.

Eligible applicants include: Public and private schools Nonprofit organizations serving youth Be located in the United States Use native plants or native seed Directly engage youth in the project Include a plan for long-term stewardship and maintenance By supporting Seeds for Education, Wild Ones members and donors help connect youth and native plants through hands-on education, creating lasting benefits for people, wildlife, and communities.

Grant applications will be assessed by a committee of Wild Ones staff, members, and board. If you are interested in serving on this committee, please indicate your interest on our volunteer form .

Projects are evaluated based on: Alignment with the Wild Ones mission Quality and vision of the native planting Educational value and youth engagement Project readiness and site suitability Long-term maintenance and stewardship The strongest applications demonstrate thoughtful planning, meaningful youth participation, and a lasting commitment to native landscapes.

Applications for the 2027 planting season must be submitted online during the application period, which is from July 15th to November 18th, 2026 . Awards will be communicated to recipients by February 16th, 2027. Apply for 2027 Planting Season Recipients are required to submit a final project report approximately one year after receiving their award.

Reports help Wild Ones celebrate project successes, inspire future applicants, and demonstrate the impact of donor support. Projects funded for the 2026 planting season must submit their final report by February 28, 2027 . If you haven’t submitted your report or need an extension, please email [email protected] .

Complete your 2025 Grant Cycle report When there is a local Wild Ones chapter nearby, members are tremendously helpful as garden advisors, enc ouraging project success through recommendations for appropriate native species, planning, and planting. Members may also share time or resources. If you have questions about this program, you can reach out to us at [email protected] .