Since UPF began harvesting and planting prairie in 2010, we have focused on using local ecotype seed. We harvest 130+ species from remnant prairies in the Red River Valley in western Minnesota and the prairie pothole region of eastern North Dakota. Our seed mixes begin with combine-harvested prairie. Additional hand-picked seed is added to boost diversity and increase volume of certain species. UPF has dedicated staff that are committed to carefully and sustainably collecting native, local ecotype seed that has the greatest ecological benefit in restored prairie.