Pollinators Supported With Successful Sip and Seed Events

35 pounds of lupine seed picked!

Pollinators got a boost thanks to the collective efforts of 51 volunteers who donated 191 service hours to pick 35 pounds of native lupine seed—a remarkable amount. When added to wildflower seed mixes, this seed will enhance up to 180 acres, providing an essential early-flowering, nectar plant for butterflies and bees. It also represents a significant dedication to habitat improvement efforts by the Ice Age Trail Alliance and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Volunteers, driven to assist federally endangered Karner blue butterflies, attended one or more of the three Sip and Seed events. They braved Monday and Tuesday’s scorching heat and high humidity and remained undaunted by Thursday’s gray clouds and day-long drizzle.

“It’s amazing – the number of volunteers and the volume of seed collected in a short time,” said Steve Pence, Land Restoration Specialist for the Ice Age Trail Alliance. “We keep close tabs on the lupine. Once we know it’s ready, we notify volunteers. A week later, they are picking seed.”

Despite the weather, the volunteers were excited to get out into the prairie to collect seeds and learn more about Alliance restoration efforts. “The ‘Sip’ portion of the event, where they could relax and enjoy each other’s company, further enhanced the sense of community,” said Steve.

Ice-cold watermelon was the biggest hit on Monday and Tuesday, with homemade chocolate chip cookies outstripping the competition on Thursday.

The short duration, after-work timeframe, and singular task make Sip and Seed events fun for everyone, especially new Alliance volunteers, of whom there were many—thank you!