Addressing Partner Needs and Supporting Native Plant Conservation in Interior Alaska

Jul 29, 2026

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As part of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) Alaska Habitat Restoration Program’s in-person annual meeting, we devote half a day of our time to address an identified need from a locally-based conservation partner. During the April 2026 meeting in Fairbanks, Alaska, we connected with our partners at the Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District (FSWCD) to build infrastructure needed for their native plant nursery.

The FSWCD native plant nursery project focuses on developing a reliable, locally adapted source of native plant materials for restoration, reclamation, and community-based projects across Interior Alaska. A key component of this work is building practical, scalable systems that can be adopted by local growers, helping to support a sustainable and economically viable native plant industry in the region.

Fourteen people pose for a photo holding wooden boxes and frames with screens. — USFWS and FSWCD staff with some of the finished products ready for use at the native plant nursery.

During the service project, we worked alongside FSWCD staff to build critical infrastructure for the nursery:

Cold storage frames (overwintering structures): The cold storage frames protect plug seedlings in containers during winter. These structures help buffer extreme temperature fluctuations and reduce freeze damage, improving plant survival rates during overwintering in interior Alaska’s harsh climate. Notably, the frames were built using repurposed garage doors that are secured by FSWCD at no cost. Because they are already insulated, they provide an efficient and low-cost solution.
Drying racks for seed processing: Drying racks are a critical component of seed collection and preservation. As part of our effort to source wild, genetically pure seed from across Alaska, seeds collected during the summer are brought indoors and properly dried. This process prevents moisture buildup and mold, ensuring long-term viability and quality for propagation.
Wooden racks for container handling: The wooden racks are specifically designed to hold tall, narrow containers used for woody species. These racks improveorganization, airflow, and handling efficiency, making it easier to manage plant material at different growth stages.

Two people indoors wearing hearing protection and safety glasses, holding a white garage door panel propped up on a wooden stand and hand tools. — USFWS and FSWCD staff constructing insulated boxes from repurposed garage door panels; these boxes are used to protect native plants during overwintering.

Four people indoors constructing two separate wooden frames on a white table — USFWS staff constructing frames for seed screen drying racks.

Two people using a nail gun to construct a wooden box with one person watching in the background. The work occurs indoors on a white table that has some wood pieces on it. — USFWS staff constructing boxes for carrying materials at the FSWCD native plant nursery.

Service staff, to the surprise of none, respectfully listened to the instructions of FSWCD staff and rolled up our sleeves to get the job done. We used all available construction material in no time and provided FSWCD with infrastructure that will serve them for years to come. It was a great time to connect with our FSWCD partners and contribute to the conservation priorities of their native plant nursery—a win for all involved!