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Seedark is a tech company building tools to modernize the seed supply chain to improve biodiversity and sequester more carbon.

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Seedark for Seed Collection

Meet Squiirrel

Squiirrel is a purpose built seed collection tool and marketplace providing verifiable provenance tracking and communications between seed collectors and seed users.
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Collectors can:

  • Capture and store data on seeds collections (including verified geolocation)
  • Post seeds to marketplace or keep private
  • Connect with a larger pool of buyers
  • Learn new skills
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Growers can:

  • Post seed demand to the marketplace to incentivize collector engagement
  • Access the marketplace for easy and intuitive procurement process
  • Be assured of secure, accurate and traceable data (including seed source).

Seedark for Jobs

Seedark Job Board

Our job board has been created to serve as a single source of job postings for people looking to for work across the seed supply chain.  From seed collection to cleaning, propagation, growing, planting and monitoring we have brought together all of the jobs related to seed in once place.  Click here to visit the Seedark Job Board.

Learn to Collect:
Earn a Micro-Credential

In partnership with leading researchers, Seedark offers micro-credentials on identifying, forecasting, collecting and harvesting specific species. By watching these training videos, participants earn 'micro-credentials' that provide buyers assurance and build trust. Each session provides expert insights needed for a specific species. Gain the skills and credentials to start your seed collection journey today.

Red Pine

Join Seedark, PRT, NAIT and other partners as we delve into the exciting opportunities surrounding Red pine cone seed collection. Whether you're interested in sustainable harvesting or exploring new income streams, this session will offer valuable insights and provide the micro certification needed to start collecting Red pine cones this season.

Eastern Hemlock

Eastern Hemlock

Eastern Hemlock is a shade-tolerant tree known for its graceful appearance. The seeds are found in small cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds involves gathering the cones and allowing them to dry to release the seeds.

Harvesting Techniques

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Eastern Hemlock seeds are often used in ecological restoration projects.

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar

Western Red Cedar is prized for its durability and resistance to decay. The seeds are found in small cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds involves gathering the cones and allowing them to dry to release the seeds.

Harvesting Techniques

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Western Red Cedar seeds are essential for reforestation efforts.

White Spruce

White Spruce

White Spruce is a common tree in Canada, known for its adaptability and resilience. The seeds are found in small cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds involves gathering the cones and allowing them to dry to release the seeds.

Harvesting Techniques

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. White Spruce seeds are essential for reforestation efforts.

Norway Spruce

Norway Spruce

Norway Spruce is a fast-growing tree known for its tall stature and conical shape. The seeds are contained within small cones that mature in late summer. Harvesting involves collecting the cones and allowing them to dry to facilitate seed extraction.

Seed Collection Process

Once the seeds are extracted, they can be stored in a cool, dry environment. Norway Spruce seeds are often used in reforestation and landscaping projects.

Tamarack

Tamarack

Tamarack is a unique tree that sheds its needles in winter. The seeds are found in small cones that mature in late summer. Harvesting involves collecting the cones and allowing them to dry to facilitate seed extraction.

Seed Collection Process

Once the seeds are extracted, they can be stored in a cool, dry environment. Tamarack seeds are often used in ecological restoration projects.

Scots Pine

Scots Pine

Scots Pine is a versatile tree that thrives in various climates. The seeds are found in small cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds involves gathering the cones and allowing them to dry to release the seeds.

Harvesting Process

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Scots Pine seeds are valuable for reforestation and landscaping.

Jack Pine

Jack Pine

Jack Pine is a hardy tree that thrives in sandy soils. The seeds are contained within cones that mature in late summer. Harvesting involves collecting the cones and allowing them to dry to facilitate seed extraction.

Seed Harvesting Techniques

Once the seeds are extracted, they can be stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Jack Pine seeds are essential for reforestation efforts in northern regions.

Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole Pine

Lodgepole Pine is known for its tall, slender trunk and adaptability to various soil types. The seeds are contained within cones that mature in late summer. Harvesting involves collecting the cones and allowing them to dry to facilitate seed extraction.

Seed Collection

Once the seeds are extracted, they can be stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Lodgepole Pine seeds are often used in reforestation projects.

Yellow Birch

Yellow Birch

Yellow Birch is known for its distinctive bark and beautiful wood. The seeds are found in small, cylindrical cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds involves gathering the cones and allowing them to dry to release the seeds.

Seed Harvesting

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Yellow Birch seeds are valuable for reforestation and landscaping.

Red Oak

Red Oak

The Red Oak is a robust tree known for its strength and beautiful foliage. The acorns of the Red Oak are collected in the fall, and they are an important food source for wildlife. Harvesting acorns involves gathering them from the ground or shaking them from the branches.

Acorn Harvesting

Once collected, the acorns can be cleaned and stored for planting or selling. They require a period of cold stratification to germinate, making them a popular choice for reforestation projects.

Black Spruce

Black Spruce

Black Spruce is a key species in boreal forests, known for its adaptability to cold climates. The seeds are contained within small cones that mature in late summer. Harvesting involves collecting the cones and allowing them to dry to release the seeds.

Harvesting Process

Once the seeds are extracted, they can be stored for future planting or sold to nurseries. Black Spruce seeds are essential for reforestation efforts in northern regions.

Eastern White Pine

Eastern White Pine

The Eastern White Pine is a majestic tree known for its tall, straight trunk and soft, flexible needles. Collecting seeds from this tree requires careful timing, as the cones mature in late summer to early fall. The seeds are small and can be harvested by gently shaking the cones or by hand-picking them once they open.

Harvesting Techniques

To ensure a successful harvest, it's essential to monitor the cones closely. Once collected, the seeds can be extracted by drying the cones in a warm, dry place. This tree is not only valued for its timber but also for its seeds, which can be used for reforestation and landscaping.

White Oak

White Oak

The White Oak is a large, majestic tree known for its strength and longevity. The acorns are collected in the fall, and they are a vital food source for many animals. Harvesting involves gathering acorns from the ground or directly from the tree.

Acorn Collection

Once collected, the acorns can be cleaned and stored for planting or selling. White Oak acorns are highly sought after for their nutritional value.

White Cedar

White Cedar

White Cedar is a coniferous tree that thrives in wet, swampy areas. The seeds are found in small cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds from White Cedar involves waiting for the cones to turn brown and then gently shaking them to release the seeds.

Seed Extraction

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry environment. These seeds are often used in landscaping and ecological restoration projects.

Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir

Balsam Fir is a popular Christmas tree species, known for its fragrant needles. The seeds are found in cones that mature in late summer. Collecting seeds involves gathering the cones and allowing them to dry to facilitate seed extraction.

Seed Collection Techniques

After harvesting, the seeds can be cleaned and stored in a cool, dry place. Balsam Fir seeds are often used in reforestation and landscaping projects.

Sugar Maple

Sugar Maple

The Sugar Maple is famous for its stunning fall foliage and sweet sap, which is used to produce maple syrup. Collecting seeds from this tree involves gathering the winged seeds, known as samaras, which typically fall in late spring. These seeds can be collected from the ground or directly from the tree.

Seed Collection

Harvesting the seeds is a straightforward process, but it's important to collect them before they are dispersed by the wind. The seeds can be stored in a cool, dry place until they are ready to be planted or sold.

2024 Speaker Series

Innovation in Seed Processing/Cleaning

Jan 9, 2025 12:00 PM
Register Now
Coming soon

Speakers

To Be Announced

Join us for an event covering the latest breakthroughs in seed cleaning and processing technology. This event will showcase cutting-edge innovations that enhance the efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability of seed preparation. Keynote speakers from leading research institutions and industry pioneers will present new methodologies and attendees will gain insights into the integration of AI and machine learning in seed quality assessment, real-time monitoring solutions, and the impact of these advancements on productivity.

Technology and Automation in Nurseries and Seedbanks

Feb 13, 2025 12:00 PM
Register Now
Coming soon

Speakers

To Be Announced

This event will focus on the latest advancements in seed-related technologies being implemented by nurseries and seedbanks. We will look at pioneering techniques and tools that are revolutionizing seed conservation, propagation, and distribution. We'll cover topics like cryopreservation, automated germination monitoring systems, smart sensors for real time environmental control, advanced data analytics and blockchain for seed tracking. Join us to gain invaluable insights and engage in thought-provoking discussions on the future of seed technology.

Planning for Seed (Pricing, Demand, Organizing Labour and Budgets)

Apr 10, 2025 12:00 PM
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Coming soon

Speakers

To Be Announced

Join us for an in-depth session on how experts are strategically planning for seed supply, focusing on the critical aspects of pricing, demand forecasting, labor organization, and budgeting. Leading experts will share insights on market analysis, pricing strategies, demand prediction models, and effective labor management. Attendees will also explore case studies on successful budgeting practices and the use of advanced software tools for planning and resource allocation. Engage in discussions on the latest trends and challenges in seed supply chain management and network with peers to share best practices and innovative solutions.

Red Pine Seed Collection and Micro Credential

Sep 26, 2024 11:00 AM
Register Now
Coming soon

Speakers

Kyeigh Hughes
Manager of Market Development
PRT
Sylvain Montpellier
PRT
Jean-Marie Sobze PhD, RPF
Manager, Boreal Forest Plant and Seed Technology Access Centre Centre for Boreal Research
Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT)

Join Seedark, PRT, NAIT and other partners as we delve into the exciting opportunities surrounding Red pine cone seed collection. Whether you're interested in sustainable harvesting or exploring new income streams, this session will offer valuable insights and provide the micro certification needed to start collecting Red pine cones this season.You'll learn how to identify and collect red pine cones, understand the market demand for their seeds, learn about what it means to make an ethical collection and discover how this unique activity can contribute to both personal fulfillment and potential financial gain.Join us to explore the natural and practical benefits of Red pine cone seed collection.

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