PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

There are once again unsolicited seed packages from China showing up at residences across the US, mainly on the east and west coasts.  

These unsolicited packages may contain invasive plant species, or seeds contaminated with nonnative plant diseases, pests, or pathogens that, if planted or otherwise introduced to the environment, may harm crops and ecosystems throughout the area. At worst, this could affect food production, natural resources, and rural economies.  

These packages are NOT believed to pose any risks to humans. Such incidents have happened multiple times over the last several years. In 2021, a federal investigation found that unsolicited seeds being distributed at that time were part of a “brushing” scam – something online sellers do to falsely boost their reviews and ratings. 

If you receive an unsolicited package containing seeds: 

·       DO NOT plant them,
·       DO NOT feed them to livestock, pets, or wildlife,
·       DO NOT dispose of them outdoors, and
·       DO NOT throw them away in the trash.

 Instead: 

·       DO keep the seeds and packaging, including mailing label,
·       DO put all of this into a Ziploc bag,
·       DO fill out an “unsolicited foreign seed” form, here, and
·       DO mail all of this to

USDA-APHIS PPQ
PO Box 475
Hebron, KY  41048 

If you receive unsolicited seeds and want to send them to the USDA-APHIS location in Hebron, and you need assistance with the “unsolicited foreign seed” form, our staff can assist you with printing.

Welcome!

Our office remains open. However, for the safety of our staff and our broader communities, Conservation Districts across the state ask that visitors be considerate of others and keep away if they are or have been feeling ill, and that our program participants continue using other methods — email, mail, mailbox drop-off, etc. — when requesting, sending, or receiving materials.

Our monthly meetings,
held on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:00 a.m.,
are open to the public.
Contact us in advance if you’d like to
attend one of our meetings via Zoom.

Meeting ID — 763 107 0957

Password — JCCD

• PHONE: 606-287-4284

• FAX: 606-287-5643

• EMAIL: jcconsdist@prtcnet.org / jckyconservation@gmail.com

• MAILBOX: drop off materials