Curator for herbaceous and woody taxa at the North Central Regional Plant Introduction Station (NCRPIS) seed vault in Ames, Iowa. My position is focused on the preservation of plant genetic diversity of plants. This work is accomplished by collecting seeds from plant populations; increasing them using controlled pollination techniques; and storing seeds in temperature and relative humidity controlled freezers or in liquid nitrogen. NCRPIS is part of the National Plant Germplasm (NPGS) where germplasm is catalogued into the Germplasm Resource Information Network (GRIN) database. These resources are crucial for the long-term existence of plant species ensuring there is sufficient diversity to overcome inbreeding amongst highly isolated populations. Genetically diverse plant populations are required in order to defend against insect/diseases pressures; adapt to climatic changes; and also outcompete invasive species. Thanks to those of you that have helped successfully save a species or a specific plant population from being lost in nature.