Guided Tour of the Chicago Botanic Garden Seed Bank

Please join us to learn more about the Chicago Botanic Garden Negaunee Institute for Plant Conservation Science and Action work conserving plants which is one of the most significant challenges of our time and the major focus.

From studying soil to banking seeds, from restoring habitats and protecting endangered plant species to understanding interactions among plants, fungi, and animals, Negaunee Institute scientists are fighting plant extinction, habitat loss, and climate change through scientific research and action on conservation initiatives.

The Garden’s Dixon National Tallgrass Prairie Seed Bank – a part of the Negaunee Institute – provides long-term storage for more than 4,200 seed collections from 1,800 species of plants native to the tallgrass prairie, woodland, and wetland ecosystems of the Midwest and beyond.

Kay Havens will be giving the tour. Kay is the Chief Scientist and Negaunee Vice President of Science, Chicago Botanic Garden, and holds adjunct appointments at Northwestern University, University of Illinois Chicago, and Loyola University Chicago. She has several research interests in restoration and conservation ecology. Kay’s recent work focused on defining seed transfer zones, determining native seed needs, and improving native seed availability reflected in her work at the federal level and locally with the Forest Preserves of Cook County.