
Volunteers at Irvine Ranch Conservancy’s Native Seed Farm plant native species and harvest their seeds in an effort to restore and enhance nearly 5,000 acres of native habitat throughout the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. In honor of National Plant a Flower Day on March 12, visitors can join Conservancy staff and volunteers at the Native Seed Farm Wednesday and Saturday mornings this spring from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. to plant native species and collect seeds that will enrich restoration sites throughout the Landmarks.
“Volunteering at the Native Seed Farm is rewarding and satisfying for each volunteer. Not only are volunteers vital to the seed production on the Farm, but they genuinely enjoy their time helping the land heal,” commented Native Seed Farm Stewardship Coordinator, Rachel Lambert. “Every single seed a volunteer harvests at the Farm is likely to grow up to be a plant on the wildland, that plant will make dozens of offspring, and the next generation will make even more! We’re helping nature replant itself.” Lambert continued.
Throughout winter and the beginning of March, volunteers at the Native Seed Farm are planting native species like California poppies and goldfields, several native grassland species, and shrubs native to the area’s coastal sage scrub habitat. Those inspired by the Native Seed Farm can celebrate National Plant a Flower Day and enhance their local habitat by planting native species in their gardens. Once these plants and flowers are planted, home gardeners can help extend their plant’s life by cutting back dead branches and watering them during the hot summer months.
Volunteers can plant native shrubs grown at the Native Seed Farm along the Waterworks Trail in Fremont Canyon during the Waterworks Trail Restoration: Fremont Canyon on Tuesday, March 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Participants will be working in oak woodland and coastal sage scrub habitats. Planting these native shrubs will establish an important habitat for local wildlife.
Join Irvine Ranch Conservancy volunteers at the Native Seed Farm for harvesting activities on Wednesday and Saturday mornings by clicking here. Volunteering at the farm is easy – no hiking is required, and all tools and training are provided. All activities are family friendly and free with required pre-registration, which closes at 4 p.m. the day prior to each event. Children 8 years old and up are welcome to volunteer on the farm, and must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. For more details on programs at the Native Seed Farm and beyond visit LetsGoOutside.org/activities.