Countywide Natural Resources - 10.15 & 10.17: Dakota County Native Seed Collections


General Description

With trick or treat season just around the corner, why not get into the mood a bit earlier by collecting some of nature's very own "treats". 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 plants that are vital to the health of our prairies. See below for dates and participating parks.

 

Locations - Please note the two different locations 

October 15 – Meet at the Archery Range Shelter at Spring Lake Park Reserve, Hastings

October 17 – Meet at the Equestrian Lot prairie at Lebanon Hills, Eagan

 

Date/Time

October 15 & 17

Evenings from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours

 

Activity Level

Mild - May include walking short distances over relatively level terrain. Periods of standing or sitting will be required. Comfortable shoes recommended.

 

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

         

Qualifications Required

  • Accepted Data Privacy Notice - Tennessen Notice Must be Yes
  • Signed Volunteer Waiver Must be at least Yes