WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Diné Native Plants Program (DNPP), under the Navajo Nation Department of Fish and Wildlife, is strengthening land stewardship and cultural knowledge across the Navajo Nation through the collection, preservation, and cultivation of native plant species.
In 2025, the program produced 19,700 native plants in its greenhouse facility and conducted 80 seed collection events for the DNPP seed bank. These efforts help preserve plant species that are essential for ecological restoration, traditional foods, and medicinal uses that have long been part of Diné culture.
The Diné Native Plants Program was established under the Navajo Natural Heritage Program after a Bureau of Indian Affairs-funded feasibility study identified a significant need for locally sourced native plants on the Navajo Nation. Since then, the program has worked to collect seeds, build a seed bank, and grow genetically appropriate plant materials that can be used to restore landscapes and strengthen ecosystems across the Nation.
The program also hosts hands-on community workshops that teach plant identification, restoration techniques, and the cultural uses of native plants, helping connect younger generations with traditional knowledge and the land.
President Buu Nygren’s administration supports initiatives like the Diné Native Plants Program as part of a broader commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community well-being.
By promoting the use of Indigenous seeds and native plant species, the program helps support local gardening, food sovereignty, and long-term land restoration efforts. Through programs like DNPP, the Navajo Nation continues to strengthen its connection to the land while building a more resilient and sustainable future for generations to come.
