Prairie Grass and Wildflower Seed Collection

Collect native plant seed and contribute to creating a haven for grassland birds.

Since 2009, GRCA staff and volunteers have been working to restore a unique hillside of grassland habitat through a series of prescribed burns, planting efforts and invasive species removal.

The Morton Property where we will be working backs on to Pinehurst Lake Park. It offers valuable habitat for grassland birds such as the threatened bobolink and eastern meadowlark. The seed you gather will be planted next spring after a prescribed burn to promote future plant growth and renewal.

GRCA's own Restoration Specialist, Lindsay Campbell, will be onsite to offer more insight into the restoration process and help you properly identify the seeds to be collected. No prior experience is necessary.

Please note our cancellation statement for this event (in this instance, rain will mean we cannot proceed).

FAQs

1. Where will we be meeting?

• Meet at the Morton property, approximately Morton Property. Link to approximate meeting location on Google Maps: 43°16'05.1"N, 80°22'19.0"W
• Volunteers will park on the road shoulder, off the travelled portion of the road.
• Pylons will be placed to notify moving vehicles to stay clear of parked vehicles.

2. What should I bring to the event?

• Sturdy, closed-toed shoes are a requirement. Rubber boots may be necessary if it has been raining.

• Gardening gloves (durable canvas or leather is best).

• Consider providing your child with gardening or work gloves that fit

• Weather-appropriate clothing. We find layers are best (e.g. jacket, fleece, hat etc.). It can get windy across from the lake even on a nice day

• Bring snacks/water bottle and /or a hot drink

3. GRCA will supply:

• Buckets or bags for collecting the seeds

• Envelopes in case you would like to take some seeds home with you.

4. How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

Key Contact: Lindsay Campbell, GRCA Restoration Specialist (lcampbell@grandriver.ca)

5. Who can attend?

This is a family-friendly workday open to all ages. Parental supervision is required for anyone 12 and under.

• All participants must sign a waiver or have a parent/guardian sign for them. These will be available on-site. Link to sample waiver.

• Youth ages 13-17 may attend unaccompanied provided their parent/guardian has completed an agreement/waiver allowing them to participate. Link to unaccompanied youth waiver.

6. I’m a high school student. Can I get credit for community service hours?

You sure can. Please bring your own paperwork.

7. I’m a representative of a community/corporate group. Can I register my team?

You can register up to 10 people at once. As a courtesy, please contact the organizer in a separate e-mail to confirm your commitment to come out.

8. What is the work site like?

• You will be walking up a low sloping hill and the footing may be uneven.

• You may find yourself walking through taller grass.

• This work involves light physical effort.

9. Do I need to print my EventBrite ticket?

You may maintain your Eventbrite ticket in digital form. We do ask you register so we have an idea of participant numbers and have a way to contact you if we need to cancel for any reason.

10. Safety and Facilities

• Your safety is a priority. Upon arrival, we will provide you with an orientation and deliver a safety talk.

• As with any work done in a wildflower meadow, there is a risk of coming into contact with thistles and stinging insects such as bees.

• Unfortunately washrooms are not available at this site. Closest washrooms are

11. Cancellations

In this case, seed must be collected dry. If the event needs to be cancelled due to rain, we will attempt to contact you via EventBrite.