Golden leaves, clear blue skies, and a little morning fog set the scene for one of Ouabache Land Conservancy's favorite fall traditions: the annual prairie seed harvest at Atherton Island Natural Area.
Each October, families, volunteers, and nature enthusiasts gather at the preserve to collect seeds from native prairie wildflowers and grasses. It's an opportunity to enjoy a beautiful autumn morning, learn about native plants, and lend a hand in the ongoing restoration of Atherton Island's prairies.
And for many families, it's become an event they look forward to year after year.
A Little Prairie Know-How
The morning began with a demonstration by board member Jim Nardi on identifying native prairie plants and their seeds and collecting them properly.
Armed with bags and scissors, participants headed into the prairie to put their new knowledge to work.
For younger participants, the harvest is part nature lesson, part outdoor adventure. Kids get to explore, get their hands dirty, and discover the incredible variety of plants growing around them.
One perennial favorite is milkweed. Its seed pods are packed with silky white fluff that helps carry seeds on the wind. During the harvest, participants learn how the seeds can be separated from the fluff, including a demonstration on how to carefully burn away the silky fibers.
It's always a crowd-pleaser, particularly among the kids!
From Harvest to Habitat
The work doesn't end when the seed bags are full.
Over the winter, the collected seeds will be cleaned and prepared for planting. They'll be used to enrich existing prairie habitat and help expand prairie areas at Atherton Island.
Native prairie plants provide food and shelter for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife. Collecting and replanting seeds from established prairie vegetation is one way OLC can continue improving habitat while helping participants better understand the plants that make these ecosystems possible.
It's a simple but meaningful cycle: gather seeds from a thriving prairie today, and use them to help grow more prairie tomorrow.
A Sweet Fall Tradition
Of course, a morning in the prairie is even better with a few treats.
This year's harvest included apple cider and specially made donuts from local small business The Donut Barn, which created a colorful assortment decorated with fun icing and toppings for the occasion.
The treats added another festive touch to a morning already full of sunshine, fresh air, and plenty of activity.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's harvest, to the volunteers who shared their knowledge and helped guide participants, and to The Donut Barn for making the occasion a little sweeter.
We're already looking forward to next fall—and to seeing what grows from the seeds collected this year.