Parks, Land & Water Volunteer Portal

Seed Cleaning

It's that time again! We have already collected a lot of seed and now it's time to start cleaning our harvest. Lend a hand in Dane County’s seed shed to begin processing the seed harvest from hundreds of species of native plants. As seed comes in from the field, help is needed processing it in order to produce clean seed ready for spreading on restored areas. Hammer milling is the first step in the cleaning process, releasing seed from capsules and breaking apart seed clusters. That step is then followed by using a fanning mill, which separates seed from chaff with use of multiple screens and fans.

No prior experience is needed. All tools and training will be provided. Participants will need to stand on a step stool and tolerate some noise and dust. Hearing protection, dust masks, and additional PPE will be provided. Space is limited and registration is required. Children under 16 are welcome if chaperoned, but please reach out to staff to make sure is space for both chaperone and child.

Location: 

Dane County Seed Shed - 4401 Libby Rd, Madison WI 53711

• It is a pole barn with a DCP sign saying "Capital Springs Recreation Area"
• Parking lot is behind the building. Seed cleaning equipment is in Bay 2, marked by a "Volunteer Entrance" sign.

How to Prepare: 

What to Know:

• All tools and materials are provided.  
• Training is provided.
• Bring drinking water and a snack if desired.

What to Wear: 

• Comfortable closed-toed shoes are recommended.
• Wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dusty.

Accessibility:

• Volunteers will need to be on their feet and on step stools for the majority of the time.
• Activities are loud and dusty. Ear plugs, masks, and eye protection are provided.
• Restroom and water fountain available onsite.

Questions?

• Lars Higdon, Botanist/Naturalist
• (608) 286-9497 higdon.lars@danecounty.gov
• Shane Otto, Botanist/Naturalist
• (608) 575-0396 otto.shane@danecounty.gov
• Leah Kleiman, Land Restoration Specialist
• (608) 843-1863 kleiman.leah@danecounty.gov