Harvesting seeds of change: Fall Prairie Harvest Day
Collect seeds at Nygren Wetland Preserve for local restoration.
The public is invited to collect seeds from native prairie wildflowers and grasses at Nygren Wetland Preserve (3190 W. Rockton Rd., Rockton, IL) on Sat., Oct. 5, 2024, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Natural Land Institute (NLI) hosts the annual, “Fall Prairie Harvest Day”, as a way to introduce the community to a fun outside activity for any age. Participants provide valuable community service for our future. Native plants are nature’s building blocks for all life and are climate resilient. While gathering seeds in the prairie, volunteers will learn how to identify plants in their dormant stage and how to properly pull seeds from the plants. In addition, they will enjoy fresh air, seeing a variety of insects and birds, and beautiful views.
NLI is pleased to announce that the seeds collected at this year’s Fall Prairie Harvest Day will benefit one of our partners, Nature at the Confluence (NATC), an urban learning center located at 306 Dickop St., South Beloit, IL 61080. The seeds will be used to help diversify their five-acre prairie restoration. For more information about NATC, visit: https://natureattheconfluence.com/
Individuals, families, and all kinds of groups are welcome. Come for part of the time or the whole time. Refreshments, instructions, and tools provided. Volunteers should dress for the weather with pants, long sleeves and closed-toe shoes. Gloves recommended. Registration is requested for this free event at https://www.naturalland.org/event/fall-prairie-harvest-day-2024/or call 815/964-6666.
About the Natural Land Institute:
The Natural Land Institute, an accredited conservation land trust, is a 501(c)3, non-profit organization based in Rockford, Illinois, which has protected 18,000 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. The current service area covers twelve counties in northern Illinois. NLI’s mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals.
For more information and to donate visit NaturalLand.org or contact Kim Johnsen at 815-964-6666 (office) kjohnsen@naturalland.org
