Departments » Conservation and Outreach

Native Seed and Garden Book Library

Font Size: + -
Share & Bookmark, Press Enter to show all options, press Tab go to next option
Print
In a world where biodiversity is increasingly threatened, the importance of preserving our planet's rich tapestry of plant life has never been more apparent. Recognizing the need for action, the Audubon Society launched a groundbreaking program aimed at safeguarding the seeds of our natural heritage: the Native Plant Seed Library. Vallecitos partnered with the San Diego Bird Alliance (formerly the San Diego Audubon Society) to ensure that our botanical heritage remains intact for future generations and supports bird species, pollinators, and other local wildlife.       
Nestled within the tranquil surroundings of Vallecitos’ Sustainable Demonstration Garden, you’ll find the District’s Native Plant Seed Library, which serves as a beacon of hope for conservationists, gardeners, and nature enthusiasts alike. Here, visitors are invited to explore, take, and plant seeds collected from native plants across the county and return seeds in the future to share with the community once the native plants are thriving in their own gardens.  

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Seed Library is its focus on indigenous plants. Vallecitos encourages residents to plant native plants as they not only benefit the local wildlife, but they also typically use less than half of the amount of water required for most drought-tolerant plants, such as rosemary or lavender. Some of the seeds you may find in the library include California poppy, sage, and narrow leaf milkweed, a species that supports the monarch butterfly population. By promoting the cultivation of indigenous species, the library seeks to not only preserve biodiversity but also support the health and resilience of local ecosystems.

Photo of Little Free Library

Whether you are a seasoned gardener with a passion for native plants or simply curious about the natural world around you, come visit our native seed library at the District’s headquarters at 201 Vallecitos de Oro in San Marcos.*

Visitors can take native seeds from the library as well as free gardening books from the District’s “Little Free Library.” The District stocks this lending library throughout the year with various garden books to inspire residents to adopt a water-wise garden lifestyle. Both libraries are available during normal business hours.

Read the San Diego Union Tribune article about local seed libraries...

Read the Water News Network story on Vallecitos' Native Plant Seed Library...

*Note: For ADA residents not able to walk the terrain to get to the seed library, please visit our Customer Service Counter or
contact us and we'll be happy to accommodate you!