The Lorrie Otto Seeds for Education Program (SFE), named for Wild Ones lifetime Honorary Director Lorrie Otto, provides meaningful learning opportunities that connect youth to nature and the Wild Ones mission.
For more than 25 years, the Wild Ones donor-funded program has provided grants ranging from $100 to $500 for native plant gardens and landscaping projects designated for acquiring native plants and seeds for outdoor learning areas that engage youth (preschool to high school) directly in planning, planting and caring for native plant gardens. This important program is only possible due to the active support of Wild Ones members.
Examples include
- pollinator gardens,
- rain gardens to improve water quality,
- tallgrass prairies,
- native plant monarch waystations featuring citizen science activities,
- and sensory and natural playgrounds.
Please note: SFE grants do not fund vegetable gardens.
Applications for the 2023 planting season must be submitted online during the application period from July 15th – October 15th, 2022. Awards will be communicated to recipients by February 15, 2023.
Projects funded for the 2022 grant cycle need to submit a report using our online Seeds for Education Report Form, and will be due by February 28th, 2023.
To see a list of 2022 grant recipients, please visit their blog.
If you have questions about this program, contact seeds@wildones.org.
