A constant supply of native seeds are essential to management of healthy native communities. Not just any seeds, rather those from the present day descendants of early populations which are adapted to our local conditions.
We harvest seeds from North Branch plants and combine them into mixes for distribution to the 20+ volunteer restoration sites. The results of our efforts are evident in vibrant woodlands and prairies along the North Branch of the Chicago River.
But certain species are not abundant, so that the amount of seed we can collect is small. Other species may produce ample seeds but are just hard to collect. Small yellow star grass , for instance, is easy to see in bloom, but are almost impossible to find when later obscured by tall vegetatione season. Violets have pods that shoot out their seeds when ripe. The collector must be at the right place at just the right time to catch them.
The North Branch seed garden is an means to increase the supply of important seeds. In the garden, we can water the plants, pull weeds, and collect the seeds more effectively.
We welcome volunteers who enjoy this kind of restoration work! Check our Calendar page to sign up for scheduled workdays, and let us know if you have questions.
