Seeding citizen science: integrating seed ecophysiology and collaborative experiments to enhance restoration

Abstract Introduction Ecological restoration requires approaches that integrate ecological knowledge with societal engagement. Citizen science offers a promising avenue to involve practitioners in restoration ecology through collaborative knowledge production. In parallel, seed ecophysiological knowledge has rarely translated into predictive dormancy–germination models for restoration, although similar models are widely used in agriculture. Objectives Through knowledge co‐production, this study aimed to develop and validate a dormancy–germination model for Celtis tala , a native tree of threatened neotropical forests, to support restoration‐oriented propagation by predicting germination timing under variable environmental conditions. Methods A year‐long collaborative experiment with 31 experienced nursery practitioners across Argentina provided germination dates under nursery conditions spanning diverse climatic regions. In parallel, laboratory assays identified thermal requirements for dormancy release and germination, providing parameters for model development. Results The collaborative experiment, with sustained participant engagement (average duration = 258 days), revealed marked differences in germination timing among sites. Laboratory assays showed that fresh seeds exhibited physiological dormancy, and cold stratification at 10°C yielded the highest germination (87%). The dormancy–germination model explained 48% of the variability in germination timing across sowing dates and locations, increasing to 81% when participant identity was included as a random effect. Conclusions The model was successfully validated through collaborative experimentation and accurately predicted germination timing under heterogeneous environmental conditions. The experiment also fostered a network where scientists and nursery practitioners jointly implemented and interpreted trials, promoting mutual learning.