General Description
As fall quickly approaches, the window for prime seed gathering is NOW. Gathering local native seed is very important to Dakota County’s habitat restoration programs. Many of our restoration projects require native seed gathered from plants growing within a certain radius of our parks. Plainly put, much of the local seed that is gathered by volunteers is better for our restoration projects since other seed is either very expensive to purchase or has a lower viability compared to local seed. Collected seed is either distributed to nearby areas to help restore habitat or stored for next year’s projects (depending on species and proper sowing seasons).
Seed collecting provides an opportunity to learn about your local park’s rich history, explore new parks, and learn how to identify local that are vital to the health of our prairie restoration programs. We also have a fun “Tour Dakota County Parks” challenge this year where you can earn fun prizes depending on how many sites you visit to collect seed for 2019’s seed gathering season.
Location
Chapel Hill Church
4888 Pilot Knob Road
Eagan, MN 55122
Parking
We will be parking at the church's back lot. Follow blue signs to park.
Date/Time
Thursday, September 26
Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Duties & Responsibilities
- Identify targeted plant species for seed collection
- Properly collect seed
- Properly store and clean seed
Minimum Qualifications
- Family-friendly, all ages welcome
- Must be 16 years old or older to volunteer without an adult present
- Outdoor event – please plan accordingly
- No experience or training needed, we will provide all equipment
Minimum Time Commitment
2 hours per event
Activity Level
Active - Involves physical exertion for an extended period of time; can involve rough, uneven or steep terrain. Not recommended for volunteers with physical limitations.
Contact Information
Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator
Dakota County Communications
1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033
Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us
