On February 28, 2021, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens welcomed Conservation Scientist Emily Griffoul for a virtual presentation, Saving the Alpine One Seed at a Time. This engaging talk, held in partnership with the Vail Public Library and the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read, gave the community an inside look at the Gardens’ vital work in alpine plant conservation. Supported by the Town of Vail Commission on Special Events and a local family foundation, the program invited viewers to understand how something as small as a seed can play an outsized role in protecting fragile mountain ecosystems.
The Power of Seeds
At first glance, alpine plants may seem hardy—surviving cold, wind, and short growing seasons high above treeline. But their seeds tell another story. Tiny and delicate, these seeds carry the future of the alpine in their shells. Emily Griffoul walked viewers through the fascinating process of collecting, preserving, and propagating these seeds. Each seed is a promise of resilience, a safeguard for biodiversity, and a potential tool in the face of climate change.
Conserving a Fragile Ecosystem
Alpine ecosystems are among the most vulnerable habitats on the planet. With warming temperatures, shrinking snowpacks, and increasing human impacts, alpine plants face mounting threats to their survival. Griffoul explained how the Gardens are leading the implementation of the North American Strategy for Alpine Plant Conservation, a collaborative effort to preserve alpine biodiversity across borders.
This strategy focuses on ex-situ conservation—protecting species outside their natural habitats through seed banks, living collections, and propagation programs. By carefully storing seeds, conservationists ensure that rare and endangered plants will not be lost, even if their natural populations decline. Griffoul also highlighted the importance of in-situ efforts, such as surveys and mapping projects in Colorado’s alpine zones. These studies provide critical information on where vulnerable plants live and how they are responding to environmental change.
Collaboration and Partnerships
No conservation effort succeeds in isolation. Griffoul emphasized the value of collaboration with other gardens, universities, and federal agencies. These partnerships allow scientists to share knowledge, resources, and strategies to better protect alpine species. The Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, perched at 8,200 feet in Vail, Colorado, is uniquely positioned to lead this work. By combining scientific expertise with public education, the Gardens are creating a model of how local institutions can contribute to global conservation challenges.
Engaging the Public
One of the most inspiring aspects of Griffoul’s talk was her call to connect people with the alpine. While seed conservation is a highly technical process, the broader goal is to foster appreciation and stewardship of alpine landscapes. Through public programs, exhibits, and community partnerships, the Gardens help people understand the beauty and fragility of high-mountain environments. When visitors learn that a seed the size of a pinhead could represent the survival of an entire species, they begin to see the alpine in a new light.
Looking Ahead
As Griffoul explained, the work of alpine conservation is ongoing and urgent. Seeds are collected each summer, stored under careful conditions, and studied to ensure their viability for future use. Surveys of rare and endangered species in Colorado continue to reveal both the resilience and the vulnerability of alpine plants. Each finding strengthens the Gardens’ ability to protect these species for generations to come.
The event left participants with a renewed sense of wonder for alpine plants and a clear understanding of why seed conservation matters. Protecting the alpine is not just about preserving beautiful wildflowers—it’s about sustaining ecosystems that provide water, habitat, and climate regulation for vast regions downstream.
A Seed of Hope
Saving the Alpine One Seed at a Time reminded us that even the smallest actions can have lasting impact. By carefully collecting, preserving, and sharing seeds, conservationists like Emily Griffoul are ensuring that the alpine’s fragile beauty endures. Through science, collaboration, and community engagement, Betty Ford Alpine Gardens continues to plant seeds of hope for the future of high-mountain ecosystems.
