Seed Pile Project Information
What’s new in this year’s River District iteration?
For all those who participated in last year’s Seed Pile Project: THANK YOU! We learned a lot more than about which seeds germinate, and are using that information to improve the participant experience this year. Some changes we will be rolling out include:
Limited to the River District. All seed piles much be placed along transportation corridors within the boundaries of the River District.
New species. This year we will be using a California native species mix from Hedgerow Farms and Nature’s Seed with 10 species to track and some bonus grass species.
Duration. Like last year, participants will place their seed piles in November or December and track any species that pop up through May 2024.
Online or printable data sheets. This year, will be returning to a much simplified Google Forms data collection system. Additionally, we will have printable forms for those who prefer. Participants using printable data collection forms can take a picture of the form once it has been filled out and send it to us for data entry.
Distribution Hubs:
MOSAC (400 Jibboom St.)
California Conservation Corp. (570 Bercut Dr)
Habitat for Humanity (819 N 10th St)
Pipeworks (116 N 16th St)
Blue Diamond Almonds Nut + Gift Shop (1701 C St)
Seed Pile Project FAQs:
Why is/isn’t species XYZ in the list?
This year we are utilizing a special native California seed mix that is a collaboration between Hedgerow Farms and Nature’s Seed.
I live in the Rancho Cordova/Bay Area/Tahoe/SoCal./etc: can I still participate?
Unfortunately, this year we are doing a limited-scope project that is restricted to the River District of Sacramento. But stay tuned -- we plan to expand to a larger project again next year! To fast track the expansion of this project and others, please donate to Miridae Living Labs!
You keep saying eco-type… what does that mean?
An ecotype is a distinct form of a plant (or animal!) that has historically occupied a particular area. In order to preserve locally adapted populations, it is best to use local ecotypes for research or restoration projects like this to avoid introducing genes less localized, and therefore potentially less well-adapted, populations.
Can I pick up more than one packet?
This year, we are limiting the project to one packet per person.
Where and how will I sow my seeds?
Dump the packet on the ground in a single pile somewhere in or along a human transportation corridor (examples below). These are areas that are often neglected and have potential for being ecologically valuable habitat patches and species corridors. Place we don’t want you to dump your seeds is in your garden (except along the edge), a state/national park, or places like the UC Davis Arboretum. If seeds germinate successfully, you should begin to see sprouts within a few weeks! Please don’t water them - just dump in a pile and check on them occasionally!
Examples of locations to dump seed piles:
Road
Bike path
Sidewalk
Rail track
Parking lot
Will I maintain the plants that sprout from my seeds?
No! This is critical. We want to know what happens to these seeds in a realistic context, so please do not hold the hands of your young sprouts. It will be tempting, but you must resist intervening! Please do not water them or help their progress in any way. If they are on the edge of your garden and being irrigated, that’s okay, but please don’t give them any additional care.
How will I record my data?
Participants will enter data on the Google Forms or on printable data forms. Data sheet #1 is information about the location of your seed packet. All following data forms will be about seedlings! If you chose to print data forms, please send images of your completed forms to caroline@miridaelivinglabs.org.