Forest Gene Conservation Association

Forest Gene Conservation Association We provide species recovery programs, seed collection training, seed orchard management and other ser
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Registration is now open for the Forest Source Selections Certified Seed Collector Course!This self-paced, virtual cours...
08/28/2026

Registration is now open for the Forest Source Selections Certified Seed Collector Course!

This self-paced, virtual course is designed for professionals, organizations and individuals involved in forestry, nurseries, restoration, conservation, tree improvement, community greening and more.

Spots are limited — register today! https://fgca.net/seed-expertise/certified-seed-collector-course/

Know someone who would benefit from this course? Share or repost this to help spread the word!

08/26/2026

Seed and climate change often go hand in hand. This is very true for the conifer seed orchards and trials that we manage across southern Ontario.

We’ve established a series of white pine progeny trials to better understand how the genetics of southern white pine seed orchards will perform in different parts of Ontario. Informed by science and guided by practitioners’ questions, we’re supporting Ontario’s forests as they adapt to a changing climate.

What does it take to bring butternut back to Ontario’s forests? It takes more than seedlings—it takes people.From provid...
08/24/2026

What does it take to bring butternut back to Ontario’s forests? It takes more than seedlings—it takes people.

From providing land to planting, protecting, and monitoring seedlings, landowners and community partners play an important role in helping us learn more about butternut recovery and build a future for this species.

And we’re looking for more partners to join us.

Read our latest blog to learn how YOU can help bring butternut back: https://fgca.net/2026/08/butternut-reintroduction-why-you-are-so-important-to-butternut-recovery/

Nonprofit work isn't always visible… or flashy.Sometimes, success means making sure a forest has options 200+ years from...
08/17/2026

Nonprofit work isn't always visible… or flashy.

Sometimes, success means making sure a forest has options 200+ years from now.

Nonprofit organizations take on work that might otherwise fall through the cracks. At the FGCA, that means protecting genetic diversity, conserving species, and helping Ontario’s forests adapt for the future.

It’s quiet work, but it matters. Become a member and help us keep this important work moving forward!

Have you heard!? The Certified Seed Collector Course returns this fall!Registration for the new virtual course opens on ...
08/13/2026

Have you heard!? The Certified Seed Collector Course returns this fall!

Registration for the new virtual course opens on August 19th with limited spaces available.

Please visit our website for details and stay tuned for instructions on how to register:
https://fgca.net/seed-expertise/certified-seed-collector-course/

This is a self-paced course full of videos and content that will help you learn how to plan, forecast, assess, document, and handle high-quality seed collections from a variety of native species, including conifers, broadleaf trees and shrubs. Students will also learn about the important role that genetic diversity plays in seed collection and the health of forests.

Last fall, seven butternut seeds were collected from one of our healthy grafted trees and buried over the winter to natu...
08/06/2026

Last fall, seven butternut seeds were collected from one of our healthy grafted trees and buried over the winter to naturally stratify. This spring, six were planted in pots and one directly into the ground.

By mid-June, four had sprouted, with a fifth emerging shortly after. The remaining two may still germinate, as butternut seeds can sometimes take up to two years.

Despite heavy rain, hail, and extreme heat, these young seedlings are thriving. While they still face challenges ahead including transplanting, wildlife, insects, and butternut canker, they're off to a strong start. Take a look at their incredible progress so far!

What happens when a Conservation Biology student starts a summer job knowing almost nothing about butternut trees?For Ar...
08/05/2026

What happens when a Conservation Biology student starts a summer job knowing almost nothing about butternut trees?

For Arya, it turned into a new passion for forest conservation, hands-on experience in the field, and a front-row seat to the innovative work happening at FGCA.

From grafting endangered species to learning from passionate conservation professionals, Arya shares why FGCA is the perfect place to get involved, grow your skills, and discover where a career in forestry can take you.

Read Arya’s summer student story: https://fgca.net/2026/08/why-choose-the-fgca/

We have been conducting some mid-season forecasting for butternut in southern Ontario! Mid-season forecasting can be hel...
07/30/2026

We have been conducting some mid-season forecasting for butternut in southern Ontario! Mid-season forecasting can be helpful to assess seed after spring flowering for a few reasons including:

• Identification of pests or pathogens on or within developing seed, and observation of any aborted nuts
• Assessment of embryo maturity as the seed develops
• Yield verification to inform candidate collection sites and potential bumper crops

This information allows for better planning during the seed collection season including allocation of resources, time and funding towards the best forecasted crop locations. Swipe to see photos of cut tests showing good embryo development compared to seed with weevil damage.

Since 1972, the UN's World Nature Conservation Day has put a spotlight on the importance and urgency of protecting natur...
07/28/2026

Since 1972, the UN's World Nature Conservation Day has put a spotlight on the importance and urgency of protecting nature now and for the generations to come.

There are many ways to help the environment: from switching to more sustainable practices to supporting restoration efforts to advocating for policies that strengthen protections for nature - everyone can play a part.

At FGCA, our focus is on helping to preserve genetic diversity, which are the important building blocks of most ecosystems in Canada. Ensuring that forest ecosystems have the genetic diversity to handle the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss is key to growing resilient forests that thrive now and in the future.

07/23/2026

The newly updated Certified Seed Collector course will be available for the first time through a self-paced online platform this fall 2026!

Tag who you would take on a seed collecting adventure!

To learn more or sign up for the waitlist see the link in our bio

Address

275 County Road 44
Kemptville, ON
K0G1J0

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 9am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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