Tag Archives: Seed Collecting

Native Seed Harvest Increases Plant Diversity Along the Ice Age Trail

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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. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
During 17 seed collecting events in September and October, 296 volunteers (including 183 students from 4 school districts) collectively donated 778 service hours. Photo by Miranda Murphy.
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.

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Pollinators Supported With Successful Sip and Seed Events

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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. Photo by Amy Lord.
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. Photo by Amy Lord.
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.

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Native Seed Collection Efforts Enhance Habitat

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By Steve Pence, Land Restoration Specialist. 

A student with MG21 harvests lead plant seeds, removing the seed heads with a set of clippers. Photo by IATA Staff.
A student with MG21 harvests lead plant seeds, removing the seed heads with a set of clippers. Photo by IATA Staff.
Spring through fall, restored native prairies offer beautiful blooms. With its dainty bell-like flowers, columbine offers pops of red in spring. Graceful, yellow coneflowers sway among grasses in summer. And in the fall, the majestic blazing star, with its lavender-colored puffs, towers above other blooms.

Native plants like these, gracing your hikes along the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, are not a stroke of luck, but point to the intentional efforts of Ice Age Trail Alliance staff and volunteers. Through its Habitat Improvement Program, the Alliance is actively increasing the presence of native plant species on Alliance-owned preserves. This diverse array of plants supports an entire food web, creating a robust and resilient ecosystem benefiting pollinator species like bumble bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

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Enhance Biodiversity Through Seed Collecting!

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By Eva Ballering, Land Steward at the Ice Age Trail Alliance
Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Ice Age Trail Alliance, Prairie, Sunset, Summer
A blooming prairie in summer: insects buzz from flower to flower, enriching themselves on sweet nectar. Thick leaves rustle loudly in the hot humid air. Purples and yellows blend together at the horizon. Photo by Eva Ballering.
Following the phenology of the season can be one of life’s greatest pleasures for prairie enthusiasts. With the late summer burst of color, in its final hurrah for the season, the majority of plants start to wind down and prepare for winter. Although this is a notable event, the prairie has been busy all season.  By the time the prairie is in full bloom, many species have already taken their turn to flower, attract pollinators, and produce seed.

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