How 2014 Seed Harvest Can Help You Reap the Benefits of Nature

How 2014 Seed Harvest Can Help You Reap the Benefits of Nature

CREDIT: Kane County Forest Preserve District

CREDIT: Kane County Forest Preserve District

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A seed harvest is a good thing for the local ecology, for the environment and as a teachable moment for kids — but there’s no doubt that it’s good for you, too.

Every year during the fall, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County meets once a week to harvest native seed from local preserves. The seed is then processed and put back into preserves around the county, for the preservation of the native plants and enjoyment of all.

Now you can be a part of that important process, explore new preserves, learn more about native plants and meet some fun people along the way.

Every Wednesday morning from 10 a.m. to noon during the harvest season (late August to late November) the FPDKC Natural Resources Department teams with volunteers to harvest native seed. The next meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 24, at Burnidge Forest Preserve in Elgin off Coombs Road.  This is a family-friendly, all-ages event that requires no prior experience or plant identification knowledge.

Visit the Forest Preserve District website for a map and address.

Please come prepared for the weather and with a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated.  The Forest Preserve District will provide all the snacks, drinks, tools and other supplies.

Registration is not required, but please contact the volunteer coordinator at 630-762-2741 to RSVP for groups of 10 or more.

Volunteers will be focusing on harvesting Gayfeather and Prairie Dock. Just to help everyone become better at recognizing plants please feel free to study up on next week’s target species.  Here is a helpful fact sheet from the Department of Agriculture: