Using common garden studies to inform seed transfer zones for Willamette Valley species

The question of what seed is genetically and ecologically appropriate for restoration projects in
the Willamette Valley has been hotly debated for the last two decades. The lack of data regarding
variability of native Willamette Valley species has hampered seed production and restoration
efforts and has caused costly delays – both biological and financial. To address this lack of data,
we utilized common garden studies to measure differences and similarities among populations
and to provide informed seed transfer zones recommendations.