Partners Help establish Native Seed Source on the Hoosier

By Teena Ligman on Feb 2, 2011

Partners work together to develop fields of native plants to provide for seeds and pollinators.

Partners helped the Hoosier establish 140 acres of native plants to serve as a future seed source for site restoration. As more restoration projects are implemented, the need for a reliable local seed source became apparent. The need coincided with a national emphasis to promote flowering species for pollinating insects and birds.

The result - three areas are now managed as pollinator "farms" and native seed sources. One site, converted from a 100-acre agricultural field, was planted through a partnership with the Patoka Hills Chapter of Quail Unlimited (QU). A no-till grassland drill, tractor, operators and supplemental seed were provided by QU. Weed control has been provided by the Indiana DNR - Forest Wildlife Project and from stewardship contractors. Species such as partridge pea, purple coneflower, and orange coneflower have thrived.

Two pasture and field areas were planted through a contract. Non-native grasses and woody species were pretreated prior to a dormant seeding in November. This field is also doing well.

The Forest plans to use its own seed harvesting and cleaning equipment to stock a seed supply for future use. With the assistance of partners, the seed can be used to rehabilitate disturbed areas.