About
The Umpqua Native Plant Partnership (UNPP) was established in 2021 as a program under The Understory Initiative (TUI) to meet the growing demand for locally adapted native plant materials in the Umpqua Basin. Modeled after the Rogue Native Plant Partnership, UNPP strengthens regional restoration efforts through collaboration between agencies, producers, nonprofits, landowners, and community members.
Since 2022, with support from TUI and grant funding, UNPP has built a strong foundation:
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Formed a Steering Committee
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Developed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)
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Created a five-year strategic plan
In 2023, UNPP launched its Native Plant Materials (NPM) Program to support local production and improve access to ecologically appropriate plant materials.
In 2024, the partnership installed the first Umpqua-based native seed beds in collaboration with local producers, and in 2025, harvested the first locally grown grass seed for restoration projects.
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The work of UNPP supports both ecological and community resilience by restoring diverse habitats, improving plant material access, and growing a local native plant economy that benefits land stewards across public and private landscapes.
Mission
To grow a robust native plant materials economy alongside the ecological restoration of diverse ecosystems in the Umpqua Basin by:
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Supporting partner-led restoration projects
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Developing a network of native plant and seed producers
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Connecting landowners to resources and opportunities
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Addressing key challenges in the native plant procurement process
Vision
A thriving Umpqua Basin where resilient ecosystems are restored and sustained through a strong network of local native plant producers, land stewards, and restoration partners working together to build a healthy landscape and economy for future generations.
