Upcoming Events
BioBlitz II: The Ripening
The Fruit Savers project seeks to locate and identify hardy local fruit producing specimens, for the purpose of protecting, harvesting, and propagating these resilient trees for current and future generations! Specifically we're looking for trees that are surviving and thriving with minimal human intervention, whether that's an ancient forgotten pear tree on the site of an old homestead or a feral peach growing on a fence-line.
Our first BioBlitz of 2026 focused on identifying fruit trees by their eye-catching early spring blooms. Mid-summer to early fall presents our next great opportunity to track down fruit-bearing trees, as their mature and ripe fruit makes them more conspicuous.
A BioBlitz is an event where everyday volunteers work together to find and identify as many species of plants, animals, fungi, and other organisms as possible within a specific area. We are using iNaturalist to track observations in our BioBlitz. For each iNaturalist observation, please include images of the tree's FRUIT, LEAVES, TRUNK, and FULL PROFILE (along with any other identifying features you notice).
The Fruit Savers are a working group of Central Texas Seed Savers, a project of Fruitful Commons. Funding for this year’s BioBlitz comes from the City of Austin’s Urban Forest Grant. To learn how to use iNaturalist and participate in our Fruit Tree Bio Blitz, click the button below.
Propagation for Beginners
Class will discuss the fundamentals of propagation, including simple techniques that can be used at home with minimal equipment. The class will highlight some of the easiest plants to propagate, making it ideal for beginners who want quick and rewarding results. Whether you are looking to expand your garden or share plants with friends, you will leave with hands-on information to help you propagate with confidence.
This event is free, and no RSVP is required.
Tree ID Walk: Zilker Botanical Garden
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to the Zilker Botanical Garden to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.
Meet your walk leader at the Flag Pole!
The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region.
TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.
This Tree ID Walk will be led by Bailey Hoops, a clinically trained herbalist, specializing in bioregional herbalism (Texas native medicinal plants). Bailey studied with the Austin Permaculture Guild (austinperm.com) and is certified in Permaculture Design. She is also is certified with the Native Plant Society of Texas in Landscaping with Native Plants (https://www.npsot.org/our-work/class-schedule/native-landscape-certification/). Since completing the Native Landscape Certification program she continues to volunteer with Austin NPSOT Chapter, TreeFolks, and CTX Seed Savers, where she teaches plant knowledge and leads plant walks for the program.
Tiny Talks Volume 9
Tiny Talks are a quarterly showcase of weird, fascinating and inspiring talks from the people that shape Austin. Think: “show & tell” for adults, in the form of 5-8 minute PowerPoint presentations.
Colleen Dieter will be one of the speakers, and she’ll share the story of Central Texas Seed Savers. Speakers are scheduled between 8-9:30 PM during the event.
NPSOT Austin Chapter: CTSS and Seed Saving How-To Night
The Austin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas will feature Central Texas Seed Savers in a special Seed-Saving presentation led by Colleen Dieter.
Social time will begin at 6:30 PM, and the presentation will be from 7-8 PM.
Seed Saving Basics with Colleen Dieter
Discover the rewarding practice of saving seeds and preserving plant diversity for future generations. Whether you are a beginning gardener or an experienced grower, this class will provide practical knowledge and simple techniques to help you save, store, and share seeds with confidence.
Seed Saving Basics with Colleen Dieter
Discover the rewarding practice of saving seeds and preserving plant diversity for future generations. Whether you are a beginning gardener or an experienced grower, this class will provide practical knowledge and simple techniques to help you save, store, and share seeds with confidence.
This event is free, and no RSVP is required.
Tree ID for Seed Savers at The natural gardener
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are coming to The Natural Gardener to lead a Tree ID lesson to help you learn a little more about what’s growing around you!
Wild Spirit Wild Places 3rd Annual Pollinator Celebration
At Vista Brewing hosted by Wild Spirit Wild Places, Colleen will be on a panel from noon-1 discussing importance of native plants and pollinators. Event runs 11-3. Sunday June 14. Event is free but RSVP is requested.
Tree ID for Seed Savers at Zilker Botanical Garden
Have you been wondering what kind of tree is growing in your yard? Maybe you want to learn a fun new skill? Well, you’re in luck, because the Central Texas Seed Savers and TreeFolks are partnering with the Zilker Botanical Garden to lead a Tree ID lesson in their beautiful space!
Hosting an event?
Central Texas Seed Savers can lead a seed swap at your event! Fill out the form below to get started.