Native Seed Program

Collection:

• Volunteers should be comfortable with moving on uneven terrain through various kinds of vegetation (grasses, flowers).  Everyone can take breaks as needed. 
  • Staff can often times accommodate those who would prefer to stay to the edge of a mowed path and collect from easily accessible species.
  • If further accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Dane County Parks Volunteer Program. 
• Bathroom availability varies by park. View the Open Restrooms webpage for more information. If there is no bathroom at a workday site, either use one before the workday or ask staff to suggest a nearby public location. 

Cleaning:

• Those with respiratory illnesses are advised to avoid these events as this is a dusty process.
• Volunteers should be able to stand on anti-fatigue mats or sit for long periods of time and wear provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE such as masks, gloves, etc.). Everyone can take breaks as needed. 
  • If accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Dane County Parks Volunteer Program.
• A bathroom and drinking water are available on-site. 

Weighing and Bagging:

• Volunteers should be able to stand on anti-fatigue mats or sit for long periods of time and be able to follow specific directions. Everyone can take breaks as needed. 
  • If accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Dane County Parks Volunteer Program.
• This work involves reading a scale and seed labels and correctly weighing out different seed amounts.
• A bathroom and drinking water are available on-site. 

Seeding:

• Volunteers will need to move with a bucket on uneven terrain and may need to bend and/or crouch in order to properly sow seed. 
  • If accommodations are needed, please reach out to the Dane County Parks Volunteer Program.
• Bathroom availability varies by park. View the Open Restrooms webpage for more information. If there is no bathroom at a workday site, either use one before the workday or ask staff to suggest a nearby public location.

Youth under 16 years old are allowed to attend with an adult chaperone, and youth ages 16-17 can volunteer independently with a Volunteer Registration Form (PDF) signed by a Parent/Guardian.

Collection:

• Collection runs June - November.
  • Workdays typically posted in June.

Cleaning:

• Cleaning runs August through November, depending on the amount of seed collected and need.
  • Workdays typically posted in August.

Weighing and Bagging:

• Weighing and bagging occurs in the span of 1-2 weeks sometime in January.
  • Workdays typically posted in December.

Seeding:

• Seeding occurs throughout the year depending on the species being sown, but most workdays occur between January - March.
  • Workdays are posted as conditions allow.

General: 

• Water: Volunteers should bring their own water. Staff provide bottled water as a backup.
• Snacks: If you'd like to have a snack during the workday break, please bring something for yourself. Bringing a treat to share with others is welcome (if that is something you enjoy). Staff often try to provide snacks during these workdays.

Collection:

• What to know: Seed can be collected with hand pruners or a gloved hand. All tools and materials are provided for workdays. 
• What to wear: Volunteers should wear close-toed shoes, long pants, and long sleeves. Walking through a prairie is itchy. A hat and sunscreen are recommended. 

Cleaning: 

• What to know: All Personal Protective Equipment (PPE such as masks, gloves, safety glasses, etc.) is provided, though feel free to bring your own. These workdays are in a heated building with over-head lighting.
• What to wear: Volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and clothes they don't mind getting dusty.  

Weighing and Bagging: 

• What to know: All tools and materials are provided for workdays. These workdays are in a heated building with over-head lighting.
• What to wear: Volunteers should wear close-toed shoes and clothes they don't mind getting dusty. 

Seeding:

• What to know: Seed can be sown with a bare or gloved hand. All tools and materials are provided for workdays. 
• What to wear: Volunteers should dress for the weather. If there is deep snow: snowshoes, tall boots, or waterproof leg gaiters are recommended. 

Independent Volunteering:
If you are interested in independently collecting native seed for the Native Seed Program, please reach out to Natural Areas staff. Training is provided at seed collection workdays or upon request. 

Volunteer-led Workdays:
Many of Dane County Parks Friends Groups and Certified Land Stewards host Seed Collection and Seed Sowing Workdays independently from park staff. These workdays may be held on other days and times throughout the year. Check the Event Calendar for additional volunteer opportunities.