Enjoy a hands-on seed identification and collection training while enjoying a rare example of a sand gravel prairie. Seed will be used for further habitat restoration. Large quantities — of volunteers and seed alike — needed! Previous seed collection is not required — all abilities and groups are welcome. This activity, though, is very detail oriented and best suited for teenagers and up.

About the Coulee
Home to 13 rare plant and animal species, FMR helped this Hastings-area gem earn SNA or Scientific and Natural Area status from the Department of Natural Resources — affording it the highest level of protection in the state. The site is home to pussytoes, prairie smoke, blue-eyed grass, Carolina puccoon, and toadflax to name just a few native plant species, and is renown for its bird population, including larksparrow, loggerhead shrike, and many other species who depend upon such rare patches of native habitat.

To learn more about the Sand Coulee, please visit our Sand Coulee profile feature and our Sand Coulee project page.

This event is also part of the Vermillion Stewards program, which involves volunteers in hands-on stewardship and educational programs throughout the unique Vermillion River watershed.

Ready to register?
To ensure a high-quality experience, capacity is limited and pre-registration required. To sign up, contact FMR Program Assistant Meghan Dudle by noon Friday at mdudle[at]fmr.org or by selecting "Meghan Dudle" in thedropdown menu under "Category" in our contact form. She can also be reached at 651-222-2193 x23. Please include: the name of the event, your name, address and phone number and the number in your party.

You will receive a confirmation email and additional details, such as directions and what to wear, from mdudle[at]fmr.org within, at most, a week. If you have earthlink or an active SPAM filter, please add Meghan's email address to your contacts to ensure receipt.