Prairie Seed Collection Event

The public is invited to help harvest and sort native seeds at Minneopa State Park during National Public Lands Day on Saturday, Sept. 28.

“Native seed collection is an important step in restoring our prairies,” according to Scott Kudelka, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Minneopa area naturalist. “It’s a step that takes many hands to do well and we hope for a good turnout.”

Volunteers are invited to bring a picnic lunch to the picnic shelter at noon. Following a brief orientation, the group will move to the prairie and collect and sort native seeds from 12:30 to about 2 p.m. No experience is necessary to participate.

Since seed will be harvested by hand, Kudelka suggests that volunteers wear pants, shirts with long sleeves, and good shoes. High socks are also a good idea, so that pants can be tucked into them to reduce the chance of a tick bite.  “We will be out on the prairie in the middle of the day, so it’s not a bad idea to also wear a hat, bring sunscreen and a bottle of water,” he added. Optional items include gloves, insect/tick repellant and plant clippers. 

For planning purposes, volunteers must contact the Harry Meyering Center, Inc., at kshabrack@harrymeyeringcenter.org to be part of the event. Vehicles transporting participants to and from the prairie are eligible for a free daily state park permit, if preregistered. Other vehicles entering the park can purchase a permit at the office when they arrive.