In 2018, the Mid-Atlantic Regional Seed Bank (MARSB) and the University of Maryland
Extension conducted an internet survey of the native plant and seed user community throughout
the Eastern United States. The authors developed an extensive list of native plant users. The
survey was sent to names on that list, and those receiving the survey were encouraged to send it
on to other users for their input. We asked questions about the commercial availability of native
plants and seeds (referred to as native plant materials or NPMs). We also asked about definitions,
preferences, uses, and respondents’ professional needs for technical information and continuing
education. We received 760 responses.