Know-how of Native Seed Collection

The issue

People interested in caring for the land in the irrigation area were interested in learning about the collection of seeds native to the area to encourage the development of endemic plantings. Sue Logie from LLS has significant skills, experience and knowledge to assist people in learning about seed collection requirements. Collecting seeds that are endemic to the local area is an important activity that will safeguard the local species and retain this local knowledge base. It is not only the seed collection but also other factors such as: the licencing required and seed storage methods that needed to be addressed to ensure viable collection methods are carried out.

The solution

People interested in caring for the land in the irrigation area were interested in learning about the collection of seeds native to the area to encourage the development of endemic plantings. Sue Logie from LLS has significant skills, experience and knowledge to assist people in learning about seed collection requirements. Collecting seeds that are endemic to the local area is an important activity that will safeguard the local species and retain this local knowledge base. It is not only the seed collection but also other factors such as: the licencing required and seed storage methods that needed to be addressed to ensure viable collection methods are carried out.

The impact

15 people attended the workshop. They ranged in experience from 30 years of botanical experience to those who were starting out on a new garden venture. They were introduced to information on:

the concept of bush tucker by sampling dried Quandongs
techniques used to regenerate Buloke by ripping away from the canopy
the concept of three layers of vegetation which includes trees, shrubs and grasses
the existence and value of commercial seed production area on farms
storage methods and viability of existing seeds collections.

Getting like minded people together could bring about a Landcare group where none currently exists.