Milkweed Seed Collection [independent]

Completed

About

Join the milkweed seed drive! Great River Greening is collecting native milkweed seed from across Minnesota. Volunteers will independently collect milkweed seed pods and drop the seed off for Great River Greening's use. All of the collected seed will be distributed at restoration projects associated with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation Fund to bolster the amount of milkweed available to monarchs. 

Our goal is to collect 8+ pounds of milkweed seed -- that means we will need 2,300-2,500 pods worth of seed by the end of 2022. 

Due to the current drought, many plants are experiencing an 'early fall' so this is a great time to start scouting for seed pods forming on milkweed plants. The pods are ready to collect when they begin to turn a dry golden color and start to split open. This will likely start to happen mid-to-late August and continue throughout the fall.

Easy to follow collection steps:
  • Collect clean, mature pods (starting to dry and split) from native wild plants.
  • Seed must be separated and labeled based on species type and collection site.
  • Paper bags work well.
  • Please dry the pods.
  • If you are able, please also clean the "fluff" from the seeds - gently pull or shake seeds free.
Additional resources and collection notes will be shared will all registered participants as well as suggested drop-off times and locations. Seed will need to be dropped off at Great River Greening's St. Paul office or upcoming restoration event. 

QUESTIONS:

Contact Amy Kilgore, Great River Greening's Outreach Program Manager, at volunteer@greatrivergreening.org or call 651.272.3989.

Learn more about Great River Greening at greatrivergreening.org

Thank you to our funders and partners: The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) - Monarch Butterfly and Pollinators Conservation. Training material provided by the Xerses Society and Monarch Joint Venture. 

Positions
0 Remaining
Age Limit
Family Friendly
Social
Requirements
No additional requirements
Sustainable Development Goals
GivePulse
23 Positions Filled | 0 Impacts | 0 Hours

A few people you will meet... View All