Evening Seed Collection Project

Seed collection is a very relaxing activity; some even say it's therapeutic. It's also a great family activity!

Green Needlegrass is ready to pick! Last year, probably due to high temperatures and lack of moisture, the grow out program for native green needlegrass was a total loss. None of the seeds collected in 2010 and 2011 grew into seedlings, so.... we are starting all over.

Green needlegrass, Nassella viridula, http://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_navi4.pdf, is one of the highest priority species we collect for Boulder County Parks and Open Space and the City of Boulder Open Space Mountain Parks restoration projects. Luckily this year has been the best year that we have seen for green needlegrass in many years and we are asking you to please join us on Wednesday, July 3 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm for this urgent seed collection project.

Green Needlegrass is one of the most fun types of grasses to collect. The grass stands tall, therefore little to no bending is needed to collect it. This project will take place on a Boulder County property just off on Hwy 128 in the south grasslands, offering some beautiful views!

Why We Collect Native Seed:
Native seed is critical to local restoration projects since frequently it is not commercially available, or too expensive to purchase for projects. Needlegrass and Needle and Thread grass in particular is very expensive to buy commercially at almost $100 a pound! If enough seed is collected, it will be grown out for future local restoration projects.

No botany knowledge or experience is necessary for collecting! Skilled Crew Leaders will help make sure everyone has fun and knows all they need to about collecting Needle and Thread grass. This species is one of the easiest grass species to collect. There will be very little bending and no stooping or sitting on the ground.