Saltmarsh plants are an important component of healthy and resilient coastlines – helping to mitigate the effects of erosion and flooding, improving water quality, and providing habitat for native fauna. With the implementation of shoreline restoration projects and living shorelines on private properties along the Gulf Coast, there is an opportunity for producers in south MS and AL to grow and sell the plant materials that are needed for these projects.
About the Project
The Native Plant Producer Network, launched in 2024, aims to build a network of native plant producers to support local living shoreline restoration projects. Currently, there is a disconnect between the growing demand for restoration efforts and the limited availability of locally sourced wetland plants, which makes it challenging to complete projects efficiently. We are actively working to address this gap and streamline the process.
What we do
Through this program, we aim to host workshops for producers, students, and community members to deepen their understanding of our local wetlands. Currently, we have three demonstration sites, including one at the Coastal Research and Extension Center. Extension personnel are actively collaborating with local nurseries and schools to mentor the propagation and growth of wetland plants before placing them in restoration projects.
Program goals
Building the capacities of producers and students to locally grow and sell native wetland plants
Recruit and maintain a network of participating producers growing wetland plants along the MS Gulf Coast
Increase the stock of locally sourced wetland plants for use in small-scale shoreline restoration projects
Steps for producers
1. Attend a workshop
Either attend a workshop or contact Kaitlyn Mitchell via email (krs717@msstate.edu). We also have an interest form at the bottom of the webpage.
2. Prepare your space to receive materials
You will need a freshwater source and an area that has partial to full sun. We typically ask producers to start with 200 plants, but we are flexible. Each producer is unique and we can work together to accommodate the space you have.
3. Schedule a time to get starter plant materials/supplies
We can deliver or you can pick them up from our office. We can also assist with some supplies, while they last.
4. Grow out the plants
Depending on the age of your starter plants, this process can take anywhere from 6-9 months before they reach restoration size.
5. Sell or donate them to local living shoreline projects
We can help connect you to local projects that need these plants.
6. Repeat!
Repeat!
We would like to introduce our sub-program,
Glass Roots!
Cultivating the salt marshes of tomorrow is a program for 5th -8th graders in Coastal Mississippi. Glass Roots leverages several successful high school programs to design an experience tailored for younger students to learn about marsh and dune restoration and the role of these important ecosystems in climate resilience and watershed management.
Get involved
Interest Form
Are you interested in learning more about our program or getting involved with our Native Plant Producer Network? If so, please fill out this form with your respective interests and we will be in touch soon!
NAtive Plant Availability Form Spreadsheet
If you are looking for native plants to buy, sell, or even trade whether for a small at-home project or contracted work, please enter your needs with the form below.
If you would like to fill someone’s request, please be sure to contact them before growing any plants to ensure their needs have not already been met. You do not have to be involved with the Native Plant Producer Network to enter information or to use the “View Only” spreadsheet. Entries to this form will be hidden after a year.
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Contact us
Kaitlyn Mitchell, Extension Associate
Previously funded by:
