Native Seed Exchange
When: Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 10 a.m. to noon.
Where: Runnymede Park, 195 Herndon Parkway, Herndon Virginia. At the pavilion near the info kiosk.
Other Details: Event sponsored by Friends of Runnymede Park (FoRP). Note: You do not have to bring seeds to take seeds! All interested community members are welcome and encouraged to come take seeds! This is a gifting, free exchange event. While bringing seeds to share helps add to the inventory and enhance the experience, not having seeds to offer should not be a deterrent! No prior knowledge is necessary to come take seeds. We can provide literature/guidance on sowing seeds in fall, if needed.
Incidentally, the FoRP monthly bird walk takes place the same morning from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m.; if interested, please join the bird walk, too!
Contact: David Rice, Friends of Runnymede Park General Board Member and Virginia Master Naturalist is happy to answer any questions via email at
ZGpyaWNlMTAxNiB8IGdtYWlsICEgY29t or on the day of the event.
Weather Considerations: since the event will be under the pavilion, it will still proceed if light rain occurs. If weather is inclement or it involves wind that would not be conducive to a successful seed exchange event, the event will be rescheduled.
What is a Native Seed Exchange?
Native seed exchange involves sharing and distributing locally sourced seeds among growers/gardeners, and those interested in conservation of our native plants. This practice supports biodiversity, fosters community engagement, and helps preserve indigenous plant varieties. Please do not bring non-native seeds and note that invasive species are prohibited.
Benefits of a Native Seed Exchange:
• Preserves native plant species
• Encourages sustainable cultivation practices (only harvest from your own garden or areas that you have received permission to do so).
• Native plantings contribute to ecological restoration as many local natural areas disappear due to development. Native plants provide for wildlife/pollinators. Creating a pollinator garden, pocket prairies on your own property (or other properties where you may have influence [schools, churches/places of worship, your place of employment, etc.]).
• Community sharing is the most cost-effective way to start or add to your garden because it’s free!
The Process:
• Identify and collect native seeds from your garden. As fall settles in, harvest dried seeds/seed heads from your native flowers.
• Verify that your seed selections are indeed native to Fairfax County or the surrounding areas. Please check out the Digital Atlas of the Virginia Flora to determine if your seeds/plant are native to the Fairfax or at least Northern Virginia region. The digital atlas is easy to use and can be accessed here:
https://vaplantatlas.org/
• Prepare seeds for sharing: ensure they are kept dry, pack and label in an envelope. At a minimum, include the common name. Botanical names are optional, but helpful Other helpful information such as “sun/shade” preference, soil conditions (wet/rain garden) will also be helpful, height/spread of plant, but not required as recipients are also encouraged to do their own research on seed growing conditions before sowing.
• Bring your seeds to Runnymede at the above listed date/time/location.
• Other information: once you have your seeds, sow them in late fall so that they experience the natural and required overwintering process in the ground. They should emerge in spring. Note that not 100% of seeds sowed will be successful, so it is important to keep this in mind when sowing and plant extra.
Plan and start your 2026 garden now!
Become a Friend of Runnymede Park as we continue to expand our mission with exciting community events, educational activities, and volunteer opportunities. Join today and help enhance the value of Herndon’s premier natural park. Visit:
https://friendsofrunnymedepark.org/
Also check out other Arts events in Herndon, Literary Art events in Herndon.
