Golden Harvest

by John Stahly

he Raisin Cluster of The Southeast Michigan Stewardship Network held its final workshop of the 2003 field season on Saturday, October 18th. Some seventeen volunteers (plus two youngsters) gathered at The Nature Conservancy’s Ives Road Fen Preserve to learn more about prairie seed collection and processing from TNC land steward Sherri Laier. Closing a series of stewardship workshops held over the last several months, this was a great opportunity to gain experience and knowledge about how we can help nurture and spread the “good stuff” that has tenaciously held on through the alteration and cultivation of so much of our landscape.

Among the variety of topics addressed, Sherri offered guidance on how to tell when grass seed is ready for harvest, and provided plenty of work on fall field ID skills. The hands-on portion of the session focused on gathering Indian Grass (Sorghastrum nutans) seed in restored prairie plots east of the River Raisin. The group was able to harvest several pounds of seed (priced at $17/lb. from one well-known supplier) in fairly short order, which will be used on site to continue the expansion of native prairie at the preserve.

Apart from obvious monetary implications for a non-profit enterprise, the collected seed has the added value of representing a local genotype (the collection of specific genetic traits transmitted from parents to offspring) of the species. The significance of genotypic variation between populations in restoration work is a matter of debate that will require more scientific research to be resolved. (For example, some argue that attention to site-specific ecosystem differences is more important than making regional/geographic distinctions.) Given the uncertainty on the issue, TNC is among a number of groups that have adopted a conservative approach; i.e. reliance on locally obtained seed stock unless and until it is shown not to be a critical factor.

Back at the barn, participants were shown the system TNC has created at Ives Road for drying and storing seed, and saw a demonstration of mechanical processors used by the group. The machinery is adapted from equipment traditionally used in small scale agriculture, and can greatly enhance the efficiency of such seed production efforts.

While the group lingered over much-appreciated warm drinks and snacks (Thanks, Sherri!), there was plenty of time to ask questions, and share valuable information about successful methods for propagation of our prairie treasures.

Stewardship Network volunteers are already busy planning the schedule of workshops for 2004, so watch for coming announcements. For all those working to care for priceless natural areas, these events are a terrific chance to receive free, practical training from leading experts and practitioners in the field.
Check our website (www.rvlt.org) or send an e-mail to stewardship@rvlt.org for updates on stewardship activities.

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