The Council operates a nursery in Petrolia where we grow a variety of native grasses, shrubs, conifers, and hardwood trees for restoration projects. The facility includes two propagation greenhouses which double as shade structures, a small mist house for the propagation to cuttings and an additional open shade structure.

We restore both perennial bunchgrass prairies and riparian areas throughout the watershed and grow over 47 different species. We operate in a closed system where our re-vegetation efforts are supplied with native genetic seed stock suited to the planting site. This is necessary because of the long distances we would otherwise need to ship our plants. Growing our own plants from seed collected in the Mattole is beneficial ecologically because it allows us to use a diverse palette suited to each site, it allows us to foster genetic diversity within species and grow rare and endemic species.  We would not be able to accomplish our restoration goals without a native plant nursery.

We offer help in identifying native grasses and sell plants for drought-resistant landscaping and restoration projects. Check out our Plant Sales page or stop by the Nursery if you're interested in plants for your own perennial landscape, medicinal garden or restoration project. 

Volunteer
The best way to learn about our projects and the nursery is to come help out at a volunteer day. We host monthly volunteer days on the third Monday of the month. The next will be on October 15th from 1:00 to 4:00.

Education
The Native Plant Nursery offers education to local elementary schools and the public on native plant propagation, seed collection, seed processing and plant nutrition. If your school or group would like to visit the nursery then contact Monica at the MRC office in Petrolia.