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Gravenhurst, ON – March 12, 2025 – Hidden Habitat, a leading ecological landscaping business dedicated to improving the ecological integrity of the landscape and horticultural industry is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with WWF-Canada in establishing 2,000 m2 of native plant seed orchards. This collaboration aims to bolster conservation efforts and promote biodiversity across Ontario.
The seed orchard will serve as a vital resource for the propagation of native plant species, ensuring the availability of high-quality seeds for restoration projects. By combining Hidden Habitat’s expertise in native plant production with WWF-Canada’s extensive conservation experience, this initiative will significantly enhance the resilience of ecosystems and support WWF-Canada’s bold 10-year plan to expand habitats, reduce carbon in the atmosphere, lower industrial impacts and, as a result, reverse wildlife loss and fight climate change across Canada.
“Seed orchards are the solution to a problem many people aren’t aware we have — a serious shortage of native plants in Canada. Major ecosystem restoration work is underway across the country, all of it dependent on a sufficient supply of plants that are local to the restoration sites.
These plants form the foundation of healthy landscapes and provide food and shelter for a huge host of creatures; they are resilient and beautiful, and they sequester carbon from the atmosphere, too.
wwf.ca/seed-orchards
Seed orchards address this issue by first harvesting a limited number of wild seeds (so as not to disrupt wild populations and habitats), then growing them on a small, medium or large scale to produce more seeds. The whole process is carefully tracked and standardized.”
“We are excited to join forces with WWF-Canada on this groundbreaking project,” said Laura Thomas, Founder of Hidden Habitat. “This partnership underscores our commitment to restoring Muskoka’s natural heritage and fostering a sustainable future.”
With WWF-Canada’s funding support, Hidden Habitat will be establishing 2,000 m2 of seed orchards, with a focus on plant species indigenous to within 100 km of Gravenhurst, Ontario, where the seed orchards will be located.
In addition to the support for establishing the seed orchards, Hidden Habitat will also receive funding to hire a Native Seed Technician. This support will build on our capacity to execute the seed orchard project, through sustainable seed collection, processing and storage. Additionally, we hope that the orchards will serve as an educational hub, where we can offer workshops and training programs to engage the community and promote environmental stewardship through native plant seed orchards.
Construction of the seed orchard is set to begin in the spring of 2025, and be fully operational by the fall of 2026. This partnership kicks off a new and exciting opportunity for Hidden Habitat’s efforts to restore Muskoka’s natural landscapes and empower people to practice more sustainable landscaping with native plants.
For more information, please contact:
Laura Thomas, Founder – Hidden Habitat laura@hiddenhabitat.ca 705-828-6313
Ryan Godfrey, Specialist, Community Action – Restoration and Regeneration – WWF-Canada rgodfrey@wwfcanada.org 416-484-7714
About Hidden Habitat Hidden Habitat is dedicated to creating and restoring natural habitats throughout Muskoka and Simcoe County. Through innovative projects and community engagement, Hidden Habitat aims to empower people to create ecologically healthier landscapes for a more sustainable future for wildlife and people alike.
About WWF-Canada WWF-Canada is one of the country’s leading conservation organizations, working to protect and restore wildlife and their habitats. With a focus on science-based solutions and community involvement, WWF-Canada strives to build a future where nature and people thrive.
Don’t spend your summer indoors. Work with a small but growing business in Muskoka outdoors! Enjoy the beauty of Muskoka while learning new skills and gaining unique experiences.
We are looking for positive team members that enjoy working outdoors and perhaps getting a little dirty. We are a small family-owned business and pride ourselves on creating a fun and inclusive work environment.
Native Seed Technician
Employment type: Part-time – Intern, with potential in other roles to fill full-time hours and extend the season.
Hourly rate starting at $22-$25 based on experience. This internship can run approx. 26-28 weeks, 3 days per week depending on season conditions. This position can also be adapted to suit students returning to study. Additionally, opportunities are available in nursery production and landscaping roles for the right candidate.
This position has the potential for a second year, with the opportunity to become permanent for the right candidate.
Job Description:
The intern will conduct activities related to the collection, cleaning, and storage of native plant/shrub/tree seeds. The intern’s time will be split between the nursery/seed orchard location and collection sites in Parry Sound/Muskoka. This position requires a high level of individual responsibility, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and a positive attitude toward working in all weather. A strong ability to work independently, completing substantial tasks without direct supervision at times is required. The seed collection intern will be required to work with a high level of accuracy, document a variety of data pertinent to seed collection, operation of the seed orchards, and of the seed bank.
Qualifications:
- On the job training will be provided with regard to methodologies, procedures, and data integrity, however, education/experience in ecology, botany, horticulture, agriculture, scientific research, related fields, and/or relevant work experience is considered an asset.
- Experience with plant propagation, nursery production, and species identification skills relevant to native plants of Ontario is considered advantageous.
- Experience using GPS, GIS, paper maps, and database software.
- Ability to lift up to 50 lbs, work outdoors in all weather conditions, and hike at times through rough and difficult terrain.
- Proven ability to work in accordance with health and safety obligations.
Duties:
The Intern will assist with the following duties;
- Collection of native seed from on-site seed orchards and wild harvest sites
- Develop seed collection schedules and meet target yields
- Conduct field assessments to determine proper seed collection times and techniques.
- Maintain seed inventories and the seed bank database.
- Ensure seed quality by conducting viability and germination testing.
- Operate seed harvest and seed cleaning tools/equipment.
- Help to develop best practices for cleaning novel species.
- Seed propagation.
- Identify and control undesired species in seed orchards and nursery stock.
- Maintain an efficient and organized job site.
Preference will be given to those with a clean driver’s abstract and their own means of transportation to and from work. Personal use of your vehicle to seed collection sites may be required from time to time and Milage will be reimbursed (negotiable).
Native Plant Nursery Assistant
Wage: $17-$20
Part-time, 16-32 hrs/week.
Must be willing to work 2+ Saturdays a month
Qualifications:
- Experience or knowledge about native plant identification and their growing conditions is preferred.
- Experience in working in the landscaping or horticulture industry is preferred.
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs (occasionally and not repetitively)
- Enthusiasm for practicing ecological landscaping methods and a willingness to learn
- Ability to work independently
- High School Diploma
Responsibilities and Tasks
- Perform duties around production, including sowing, thinning, transplanting, pruning, re-organizing nursery stock, weeding, irrigation, and inventory monitoring.
- Serving customers in the nursery – includes using POS system and providing customers with assistance in plant selection and care.
- Maintain a current inventory of plant/seed stock for the online store and nursery.
- Assist in putting together plant orders, loading plant orders for customers
- Maintaining organization and cleanliness of the nursery and equipment
- Participate in the maintenance of garden beds and plant propagation beds
General
- Represent Hidden Habitat in a positive, professional manner, engaging with and educating visitors about native plants.
- Perform other duties as needed if able and available, such as off-site garden planting and maintenance.
- Have a positive and flexible attitude and enjoy working and being outdoors in all weather.
- Be capable of lifting 50lbs (occasionally and not repetitively)
- Be comfortable and willing to work independently on a rural property.
Preference will be given to those with a driver’s license and their own means of transportation.
Landscaper/Gardener Assistant
Wage: $18-$20
Qualifications:
Experience with landscaping and/or gardening
- Ability to lift up to 50lbs
- Have a positive attitude
- Enthusiasm for practicing ecological landscaping methods and a willingness to learn
- High School Diploma
Duties:
- Receive daily instructions from supervisors
- Plant native perennials, shrubs and trees
- Weed and prepare garden beds (includes removing sod, moving soil & mulch, placing rocks etc.)
- Assist in the construction of hardscapes and landscape construction projects (including pathways, decks, fences, etc.)
- Maintain a safe and organized job site
- Work in accordance with all health and safety laws and regulations
Preference will be given to those with a driver’s license and their own means of transportation.
Note:
Hidden Habitat is located in a rural area of Gravenhurst Ontario, in the District of Muskoka. As such, public transportation is not available. On-site housing is also not available. The Native Seed Technician position is partially supported through the World Wildlife Fund- Canada as part of their Seed Orchards program.
To Apply:
Please apply via email to info@hiddenhabitat.ca. Your cover letter and resume should outline in detail, how your education and experience meet the job requirements above. Deadline: March 31, 2025.
Hidden Habitat is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Our native plant nursery will open Saturday May 17, 2025 for the season.
We will be open from 9 am to 5 pm for in-person shopping as well as plant order pick-ups.
Nursery hours:
Wednesday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Thursday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday to Sunday, by appointment
Pre-orders will be available March 1st, 2025