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Prairie Seed Collection Workshop
Thursday, Sept. 16 | 8 a.m. – Noon
Location: Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge | 9981 Pacific St, Prairie City, IA 50228
Have you ever wondered how to turn your CRP or other prairie plantings into even more prairie? Every year in late summer and fall, a variety of native prairie plants start to put out seed.
During this workshop at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge cohosted by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, Xerces Society and Practical Farmers, learn how farmers and landowners can collect native seed for use elsewhere on the farm. Get hands-on experience collecting seed on the refuge and hear about best practices for native seed collection, preparation and storage. Also learn more about additional opportunities for habitat restoration and management on privately owned lands.
This workshop will involve walking over uneven terrain and through tall vegetation. We recommend participants wear pants as well as suitable walking shoes or boots. Lunch and refreshments will be provided at the conclusion of the workshop.
Presenters:
Nancy Corona is the visitor services manager at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. Originally from New York, Nancy works to provide a broad range education and recreation opportunities to the public. She also coordinates the refuge’s volunteer opportunities and serves as a liaison with Friends of Neal Smith group and other partner organizations.
Karen Viste-Sparkman is the wildlife biologist at Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge. She coordinates and implements the refuge’s biological program focusing on the ecological restoration of historical tallgrass prairie, oak savanna and sedge meadow ecosystems. This includes planning, plant propagation, preparing seed prescriptions, implementing prescribed fire and monitoring plants and wildlife.
Sarah Nizzi is a farm bill pollinator conservation planner and Natural Resources Conservation Service partner biologist with the Xerces Society. Sarah works across Iowa to offer technical assistance to landowners interested in pollinator habitat. She also provides pollinator-related training to NRCS staff and partners.
Our partners for this event are the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Xerces Society.
This material is based on work supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, under agreement number NR196114XXXXG003.
Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the the views of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In addition, any reference to specific brands or types of products or services do not constitute or imply endorsement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.