Seed was harvested from more than 100 plant species on 6 Alliance-owned preserves. These conservation efforts will benefit more than 50 future acres.
During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. They harvested native seed from more than 100 plant species on 6 Alliance-owned preserves. These conservation efforts will benefit more than 50 future acres. Every seed head clipped will help support plant and animal communities along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail.
“I enjoyed meeting the new-to-habitat restoration volunteers,” said Steve Pence, Habitat Restoration Specialist for the Alliance. “There’s a lot of intrigue about this work, and they asked good questions about what we were doing and why.”
Pence explained that the harvested seed would be cleaned at the Alliance’s “Seed Shed” before volunteers spread it across other Alliance-owned preserves in winter. The increased plant diversity will provide food, nectar, and nesting material for wildlife like grassland birds and pollinators.
Plus, thanks to volunteer efforts, these healthy, thriving habitats also benefit hikers, offering them plenty of beauty throughout the seasons!
