Community Seed Collection Event Takes Place Saturday At Devonwood

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The Essex Region Conservation Authority is looking to the public to help them collect seeds this Saturday at the Devonwood Conservation Area.

This event will start off with a tree identification hike through the woods, followed by the collection of seed and demonstration of seed viability. Participants can try their luck at the Seed Game!

ERCA currently organizes one of the largest community-based seed collection programs in Canada. The seeds collected at this event will be propagated into seedling trees that will be planted back into our region’s landscape within the next few years. “At ERCA we use seedlings from local genetic populations through our native tree seed collection program,” said ERCA’s Forestry Technician Robert Davies. “The collection of these seeds is important as these trees have shown resilience to our local soils, hydrology and climate and are therefore best suited to be planted throughout our region.”

This event is also part of Restoring Conservation Lands, an Environment Canada-EcoAction grant project that is being implemented through ERCA’s Outreach Program. “Events like this are a great way for high school students to enjoy the outdoors while working towards their volunteer service hours, and for families to spend time together in an outdoor setting,” says Caroline Biribauer, ERCA’s Outreach Coordinator. “What’s more, participants will leave with the satisfaction that they have helped contribute toward a cleaner and healthier environment.”

The collection runs from 10am to noon.  Volunteers are encouraged to wear long pants, long sleeves and boots. This event is rain or shine.