Working with Idaho Fish and Game, we will be helping to restore wildlife habitat on the Valley Fire, just across the river from the seed collection site! The basin big sagebrush seed we collect on this site is appropriate for elevations on the Valley Fire up to about 3,500 to 4,000 feet in elevation. Basin big sagebrush, while not a great food source, provides excellent soil stability and wildlife cover (thermal and screening) from the elements and predators.
Seed will be broadcast by helicopter on high-use habitat this coming winter. We will also grow out some of the seed into seedlings to be planted later by volunteers and contractors.
Plan to collect sagebrush seed by hand by stripping plant material from seed stalks and placing it into a five-gallon bucket. If you have one, bring a carabiner or short cord to attach the bucket to your belt or belt loop. Training is provided. This project will involve some hiking, working on uneven terrain, and slight bending over while collecting seed.
We will provide 5-gallon buckets and leather gloves. If the weather is cold, it works well to wear your own thin liner gloves under our leather gloves, or bring your own old ski gloves for the job. Sagebrush flower and chaff material is somewhat resinous and you won't want that on your favorite gloves.
If the weather is nice we will raise beers to a job well done on-site, so bring a folding chair if you have one (and your favorite brew). If weather is unfavorable, we’ll plan to make our way to Lucky 13.
