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 PLEASE NOTE: The Garden is now closed to visitors. To receive updates on the Seed Bank program, sign up for our e-newsletter by sending email to 
k.r.freitag@pdx.edu
or calling Kris at 503-725-2468 or Ed at 503-725-2456.
Advancing the Art and Science of Banking
Seeds
In 1983 The Berry Botanic Garden conceived of and built the
first seed bank for rare and endangered plants in the USA.
The BBG's conservation program, which operates the seed bank, is known nationally for its expertise in plant conservation methods that involve banking seeds for research and as a safe house for genetic material.
In response to diminishing support for operating a public garden, The Berry Botanic Garden closed its gates to visitors in October, 2010, but its world-famous seed bank continues to serve the conservation community. Better still, it is poised to expand and flourish in a new location. In 2011, the seed bank will relocate to Portland State University-to a new state-of-the art seed vault and plant conservation laboratory.
Relocating the Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank to Portland State University guarantees:
A secure future for the oldest seed bank for rare and endangered
plants.
Expanded research into the science and practice of seed collection, storage and reintroduction.
Abundant opportunities to educate Oregon's future scientists, citizens, and conservationists.
An institutional environment where we can explore ways to use seed banks to blunt the effects of global climate change and to better support large scale ecological restoration efforts.
In anticipation of the move to PSU the BBG board of directors launched a fund-raising campaign in 2010 to support the construction of the new seed vault and the establishment of the program at PSU.
The board is especially grateful to John Gray for creating
the John Gray Oregon Native Plant Conservation Challenge
through which $25,000 of matching funds was donated to the
Seed Bank Campaign, and which created a powerful motivation
for other donors.
You may still join our efforts by contributing generously
to the Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank. Donate through PayPal
by clicking on the "Donate" button to the right, or call
503-636-4112 ext 102. You may also send checks to:
Seed Bank Campaign
The Berry Botanic Garden
11505 SW Summerville Ave
Portland, OR 97219
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