ByJocelyn Benjamin
If you’ve ever wondered how native plants go from wild prairies to conservation superheroes, meet one of many people behind the magic in Missouri: Ron Cordsiemon, Missouri’s Plant Materials Center (PMC) manager and resident plant-powered problem solver. With more than 25 years at USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Ron has turned his early passion for wildlife—sparked while baling hay, running equipment, and summers with the Missouri Department of Conservation—into a career rooted in developing plant-based conservation solutions. Today, he leads the research and operations that help conservation thrive across the region. In this edition of Ask the Expert, Ron shares the science, stories and people behind native plant conservation.
What is a Plant Materials Center (PMC) and how do they support conservation?
PMCs work with local NRCS field offices, landowners, farmers, ranchers and partners to develop plant-based solutions for conservation challenges. Think of PMCs as plant testing hubs. They test native grasses, forbs, shrubs, and trees to select the most valuable players for resource concerns like improving grazing lands and wildlife habitat, preventing soil erosion, boosting drought and flood tolerance, and stabilizing streambanks. PMCs produce foundation seed and starter plant material from selected varieties, which they provide to commercial growers so these plants can be made widely available to the public. PMCs also develop practical guidance—like seeding rates, site prep tips, and management information—that helps landowners successfully use conservation plants on their farms and working lands.
Source : farmers.gov