The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking for volunteers in Redwood and Brown counties who are interesting in helping harvest native seeds for use in prairie plantings.
“Native seed collection is vital to restoring and expanding our prairies,” according Jeff Zajac, DNR area wildlife manager. “The seed that volunteers collect this fall will be used to build and enhance diverse prairies that will be in place for generations to come.”
Zajac plans to target remnant prairies in the Comfrey, Springfield, Sleepy Eye and Redwood Falls areas for seed collection. Seeds will be mature and ready to harvest from the middle of September into early October. Volunteers do not need to bring any special tools or equipment with them and no experience is necessary. “The only thing we are asking from volunteers is time,” Zajac said. “We will supply everything else they need to harvest and sort the seed.”
Individuals and groups are invited to volunteer for this interesting and rewarding activity. For more information or to set up a time to harvest native seed, call Jeff Zajac at 507-637-3552 or email at jeff.zajac@state.mn.us.
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