Native Plant Seed Collecting

On Saturday, October 4, community members are invited to collect their own native plant seeds with Katie Clark of the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC). This event is from 2pm – 4pm at the Fremont Area Community Foundation’s Tall Grass Prairie Installation, 4424 W. 48th St, Fremont, 49412. Walk-ins are welcomed but registration is recommended for schedule updates. To Register go to: https://bit.ly/NativePlantSeeds; Scan the QR code below; Or go to NCEC Facebook Events Page (NCEC2/events). For questions email [email protected]; call or text 231.519.3419.

Guests are encouraged to dress for the weather should it be cold or wet; wear closed toe shoes or boots, long pants and sleeves. Rescheduling due to weather will be sent in an email to those who register, and will be posted on the NCEC Facebook Events page.

Guests should also bring several envelopes such as large manila or long letter size for the seed colleting, plus a sharpie for marking them.

 “Collecting native plant seeds is a fantastic, and free, way to enhance your yard and garden's biodiversity while supporting the local ecosystem,” stated Katie Clark.  “By planting native species, you can create habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, ultimately contributing to a healthier and more sustainable environment. Native plants are well-adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them resilient and low-maintenance additions to any landscape.”

During the seed-collecting foray, participants will learn about the ethical ways to collect native plant seeds, how to differentiate between native and non-native plants and seeds, and how to ensure the viability of collected seeds until they are ready for planting. This hands-on experience will provide valuable insights into the importance of preserving native plant species and their role in supporting local ecosystems.

“Those who collect seeds on October 4th with us can then come to our free ‘Winter Seed Sowing Workshop’ in January. Here we show the many ways to prepare and plant native seeds in the winter so they will sprout in spring and be ready to put in your garden in early summer,” added Katie. “One way is to plant them in used milk jugs, which make great mini greenhouses. So start saving your milk jugs now for winter seed sowing!”

Katie Clark will lead the Seed Collection Workshop