Ontario's Tree Seed Facility

Since its establishment in 1923, the Ontario Tree Seed Facility has played a key role in the protection of Ontario’s rich natural heritage. The facility collects seed from about 50 different native species and supplies smaller nursery operations, large forestry companies and the public. It also maintains a seed bank of native tree species from across the province and makes seed available for reforestation. In this way, the plant contributes to Ontario’s commitment to conserving biological diversity.

The Ontario Tree Seed Facility offers custom seed extraction, cleaning, testing, and storage services. The facility makes available a tree seed pamphlet listing the various species that can be purchased. Dedicated to providing top quality seed to its customers, the plant can help you meet all your tree seed needs.

Ontario’s Tree Seed Facility and tree species have evolved over millennia to be specially adapted to local climate and conditions. Choosing the most appropriate seeds for a given site is vital to the success of any planting project. A key stakeholder that works with the Ontario Tree Seed Facility to ensure an adequate supply of genetically appropriate seed from Ontario’s varied seed zones is the Forest Gene Conservation Association.

By keeping the highest quality seed and maintaining a sufficient inventory on hand, the plant is helping ensure upgraded forest trees through genetic improvement. Billions of viable seeds are stored in the seed bank.

Take a Tour of the Seed Facility

Tours of the plant are available to local schools, Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and other organizations at no charge. Take the opportunity to come and see what goes on at the Ontario Tree Seed Facility. The facility's new administrative building, which opened in 2005, is the first Ontario government building built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards, a green building rating system that promotes environmental and human health protection.

Our Partners

Partnerships are also an important part of the work of the Ontario Tree Seed Facility. Its cooperative efforts with such organizations as conservation authorities, stewardship councils and the Trees Ontario Foundation have been instrumental in promoting tree-planting across the province.

To explore partnership opportunities contact the Ontario Tree Seed Facility.

• Forest Gene Conservation Association
• Conservation Authorities
• Forest Stewardship Council Canada
• Trees Ontario Foundation