Native seed collection is an important component of local habitat restoration. Having locally sourced, native seed is essential for monarch habitat restoration and conservation, providing locally adapted nectar and host plant resources for monarchs. Volunteers, in partnership with a local agency, native plant nursery or larger program, can participate in such initiatives.

For example, Boulder County Parks and Open Space coordinates a volunteer native seed collection program. Two native species of milkweed are collected to use in wetland and riparian restoration projects. Volunteers assist with collecting, cleaning and processing seeds, in order to improve native plant seed availability for park restoration projects (Cimo 2016).

• Carrie Cimo. 2016. Boulder County Parks and Open Space, Plant Ecology Volunteer Coordinator. Personal communication.

Keywords: milkweed, model concept, prairie, restoration, seed