Meet the Kinseed team...
We are a small but full-force team of native plant experts with vast knowledge of restoration ecology, ecological gardening, native plant propagation, seed ecology and more.
We’re all smitten with plants. Our collective experience taps into every stage of plant being—from a little seed’s traceable ancestry to the interconnections of plant communities across landscapes. Get to know us, we’re happy to say hello.
Bren Beckwith PhD
Owner & Lead Consultant
Bren is a true landscape-level thinker. With +30 years of experience, she deeply understands interrelationships between plants, people and place. This knowledge is the bedrock of her academic career, which includes a PhD in ethnoecology, an MSc in ethnobotany, and a BA in plant ecology.
Bren loves the symbiosis that comes from sharing knowledge and learning alongside others, including native plants. After many years teaching at university and college levels, she is now an Adjunct Assistant Professor at UVic’s School of Environmental Studies. Since 2001, Bren has also been the Senior Scientist of the Pollination Pathway Climate Adaptation Initiative, a signature program of the Kootenay Native Plant Society.
At KinSeed, Bren leads our consulting services. Restoration prescriptions, garden designs, planting plans and native plant or seed selection, are just a few ways she helps our valued clients and customers grow connections on their properties, and beyond.
Valerie Huff MSc
Nursery Manager & Restoration Botanist
Valerie is an advocate for and lover of plants. Her desire to see native plants protected, restored and celebrated is woven into almost everything she does. From supporting discussions on a National Native Seed Strategy, to developing a Seed Mix Guidance Document for BC Parks, Valerie’s expertise helps to shape how we think (and feel) about native plants. Her three decades of experience include an MSc in Ecological Restoration and a Diploma in Restoration of Natural Systems.
Valerie is currently a director for the BC Native Bee Society, and the co-founder and past director of Kootenay Native Plant Society. She is also the Program Manager of the Pollination Pathway Climate Adaptation Initiative, a Kootenay Native Plant Society program working to enhance plant-pollinator communities.
Valerie is KinSeed’s nursery manager. Of course, she’s much more than that. As our consulting restoration botanist, Valerie specializes in seed-based restoration of grassland and meadow ecosystems, seed collection and procurement, and native plant propagation.