Seeds are the foundation of healthy native communities. Not just any seeds, rather those descended from plants that have prospered here for thousands of years, and which are adapted to our local conditions.
We harvest seeds from North Branch plants, combining them into mixes for various habitats. Volunteer teams and spread them into appropriate areas of the 20+ restoration sites. The results of our efforts are evident in vibrant woodlands and prairies along the North Branch of the Chicago River.
Still, some species are rare, so that the amount of seed we can collect is small. Other species may produce ample seeds but are hard to collect. Small yellow star grass , for instance, are easy to see in bloom, but are almost impossible to find when obscured by tall vegetation later in the season. Violets and other plants 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 seed garden is a 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.
