Seed Sowers
Taylor Nishimura, Community Coordinator at Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary
September 2025
Photo: Tara Todesco
Seed Sowers is a community-centred ecological restoration initiative that has successfully engaged volunteers since 2023 and removed barriers to native plant growing and gardening by providing training, materials, and mentorship opportunities. This program empowers volunteers with skills to grow native plants for habitat restoration and long-term ecological resilience. Seed Sower volunteers cultivate native plants in their personal gardens and deliver them back to site for restoration projects as well as for sale in the Nature Sanctuary’s annual Native Plant Sale Fundraiser. Through the program, Seed Sowers learn about species identification, native plant cultivation, and planting techniques.
In 2024, 45 people were enrolled as Seed Sowers volunteers. Our approach to this program seeks to improve mental health outcomes while connecting communities to one another and land-based reconciliation. In addition, planting native species at private residences across the region helps create essential habitat corridors that link green spaces and strengthen ecological resilience. This program has also recently received funding from the Victoria Foundation to incorporate curriculum from Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, weaving together different ways of knowing to promote climate resilience through place-based learning.
To join a the Seed Sowers program, fill out a Volunteer Application Form.
info@swanlake.bc.ca
Office Hours:
Mon - Fri: 9:00am – 4:00pm
3873 Swan Lake Road,
Victoria, BC, V8X 3W1
swanlake.bc.ca
We acknowledge the lək ̓ʷəŋən (Songhees and Esquimalt) Peoples on whose territory the Nature Sanctuary stands, and the lək ̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ peoples whose historical relationships with the land continue to this day.
We respect the vital relationships of First Peoples with these lands and waters for countless generations. We are honoured to receive Indigenous guidance and welcome collaboration in stewardship and appreciation of the Nature Sanctuary.
