Learn how to support restoration efforts through the collection, processing, and applications of the native seed.
Course date is to be determined.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the seed cycle- from flowering to ripening. Learn when and why to forecast and collect seed across different groups of species (Trees, shrubs, grasses, wildflowers).
- Learn conservation focused approaches to seed collection and ethics- how to ensure the seed bank remains healthy to feed local wildlife while allowing the population of plants to continue to thrive.
- Understand tree and shrub seeds, their periodicity and how to find populations suitable for collection.
- Learn various methods for seed processing, storage, and how to honour seeds through their lifecycle.
- Understand and learn how to prepare seed for various applications, including seed based restoration, and plant prorogation.
Course Details:
Seed collection (in person)
Explore and forecast available tree and shrub collection opportunities. Participate in tallgrass prairie species seed collection, and other species opportunistically while exploring why to collect, when to collect, and how to do so with a high ethical standards.
Seed Processing (in person)
Explore various methods for processing different types of seeds, as well as post-collection storage and treatment techniques.
Independent project work (6 hours)
Participants will learn about the seed cycle, through taking on a small collection themselves. Each participant will collect approximately 1 to 2 grams of seed from a native species of their choice that ripens in late September or early October, while following appropriate ethical collection practices. Collections can occur on Trent University Campus and/or public Kawartha Land Trust properties.
Optional Bonus Seed Application
Participants will learn best practices for Seed Based Restoration seed-broadcasting.
Evaluation:
Learners will document their experiences.
Price:
$50 for community members
Current Trent undergraduate and postgraduate students are free. The discount will be applied during the registration process.
Trent alumni receive a 10% discount. The discount will be applied during the registration process.
Prerequisites:
No pre-requisites are required.
In collaboration with:
Kawartha Land Trust
