Growing native plants from seeds can be a fun way to learn more about specific plants and can save you money. Helping collect, process and package native plant seeds is also a great way to learn and give back. Here are some opportunities we’re aware of in Wisconsin through the end of this year. Please let us know if we’re missing any! Email listings and links to lisa.gaumnitz@sossaveouroursongbirds.org
Antigo
• Wild Ones Northwoods Gateway Chapter, Antigo, Thursday, Nov. 5. Join their annual native plant seed exchange! Everyone is welcome to come, pick up some seeds from native plants, and take them home to plant and enjoy for years to come! The group’s meeting begins at 11 a.m. and the seed exchange at 12 p.m. at the Antigo Public Library, 617 Clermont St. in Antigo.
Appleton
• Seed Swap & Seed Saving Demonstration, Sunday, Nov. 8 2 p.m. The Tardigrade's Bookshelf, 501 N. Richmond St. Hosted by the Appleton Seed Library, this casual community event brings local gardeners together to browse, connect, and celebrate regional biodiversity. The Seed Guild will provide live educational demonstrations on the seed-saving process.
Arlington
• Goose Pond Sanctuary Seed Collecting, Saturdays through Nov. 14, 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m. Organized by the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Volunteers gather prairie seeds to build the sanctuary's winter seed mixes. RSVP is required to Emma Raasch via Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance for shifting weekly locations
Green Bay
Brown County Seed Library seed packaging event, Saturday, Nov. 21, all day, Central Library - Downtown Green Bay. The Brown County Seed Library is a curated collection of seeds – primarily edible plants – that are suited for success in our Northeastern Wisconsin growing region. These seeds are available free of charge to anyone interested in planting vegetables, fruits and pollinator-friendly plants. Help clean seeds for the Brown County Seed Library and check out their selection.
Lake Mills
• Faville Grove Seed Collecting, Wednesdays and Saturdays through Nov. 4, 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m. Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. Organized by the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance. Volunteers gather prairie seeds to build the sanctuary's winter seed mixes. RSVP is requested but not required to Soraya Castle and Parker Gimble, Faville Grove Land Stewards, at faville@swibirds.org. No experience needed.
Madison area
• Volunteer to Grow Native Plants Workshop, Sunday, Nov. 8, 1-3 p.m., Lussier Family Heritage Center. This training will teach you how to become a volunteer plant grower to help provide plants for the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department program providing free native plants for schools and community groups. No prior experience is needed.
• Learn to Grow Native Plants Workshop, Monday, Nov. 9, 1-2:30 p.m., Lussier Family Heritage Center. Participants can learn the ecological benefits of native plants and get hands-on training in winter sowing and seedling transplantation. The cost is $10, and attendees must bring a clean, empty milk jug.
• Learn to Grow Native Plants Workshop, Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6-7 p.m.: Held at the Imagination Center Library. Participants can learn the ecological benefits of native plants and get hands-on training in winter sowing and seedling transplantation.
• Native Garden Learning Hub and Seed Swap, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2 p.m. Lussier Family Heritage Center. Learning to grow your own plants can help reduce the cost of adding native plants to your yard and is a fun way to learn more about the plants. Hub attendees will learn how to grow their own plants using an easy milk jug winter sowing method. This month will also feature a seed swap. Bring seeds you have extras of and leave with seeds you need! Seeds must be from species native to the Midwest. This is sponsored by the Dane County Land and Water Resources Department and Wild Ones Madison.
Madison Public Library Native Seed Giveaways, December 2026 – March 2027 while supplies last. In partnership with Dane County, participating library branches provide free native Wisconsin seeds to the public through the winter months. No library card is required.
• Pheasant Branch Conservancy Seed Collection, Saturday, Oct. 31, 9.30 a.m.-12 p.m. Meet at the Pheasant Branch Conservancy in Middleton at 9:30 AM. A free, family-friendly outdoor event dedicated to increasing the plant diversity of the conservancy's prairie parcels.
• William G. Lunney Lake Farm County Park Volunteer Day Seed Collection, Oct. 29, 12:45 p.m.-2:45 p.m. Co-hosted by Clean Lakes Alliance and Dane County Parks to collect native seeds used throughout county parks.
• Waubesa Wetlands State Natural Area Seed Collection, Friday, Nov. 6, 1-4 p.m. Join State Natural Areas volunteers in collecting seeds or clearing brush at a State Natural Area known for its extensive, high-quality wetlands and spring complexes. RSVP preferred but not required.
Sturgeon Bay
Ida Bay Hand Seeding, Nov. 17, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., at the preserve, 1195 Canal Road, Sturgeon Bay. Volunteers will help U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service plant a mix of native wildflowers and grasses to support and restore the habitat.