The majority of the plants grown in YAN’s nurseries are ‘Climate Ready’. This means they are local species that have demonstrated the ability to survive in a hotter climate (you can read more about how we assess species here). The second key factor is that we source seed from both local and non-local ‘provenances’ (places) to maximise genetic diversity, helping plants adapt to climate change over generations.
Seed sourcing for 2024–25
In the most recent batch of seed grown by YAN nurseries (covering spring 2024- autumn 2025), there were 278 seed collections, and 259 from known provenances. There was an average of 7 seed collections (mostly from different provenances) per species; while one newly added species had seed from only one provenance, well-established species had seed from as many as 13 provenances. Mapping seed provenances helps us assess our species distribution coverage and identify areas where additional seed sourcing is needed.
But where exactly are the ‘non-local’ provenances?
Scientists have identified various provenancing strategies suited to different ecological and project goals (you can read more about provenancing strategies here and here). The chosen provenancing strategy guides decisions on seed sourcing.
YAN’s Climate Ready Project has adopted an ‘admix’ provenancing strategy, with a ‘climate-adjusted’ bias. This means that we are focused on maximising genetic diversity by sourcing seed from a wide range of provenances within the species distribution (the focus of an admix approach). We also prioritise seed from areas with climates similar to Yass’s projected future conditions—our 'climate-adjusted' bias. We source seed from commercial suppliers, ensuring it comes from the eastern mainland states and territories—NSW, ACT, Victoria, and Queensland.
Images: Examples of species distributions and our seed provenances
If you would like to find out more about YAN’s Climate Ready Revegetation Project, check out our project page, or get in touch: [email protected]
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This project has been assisted by the NSW Government through its Environmental Trust. Landcare Australia Michael King grants enable us to purchase seed from diverse provenances.