Native Landscapes for Pennies . . . Seed Propagation

Native plants add beauty and a
sense of connection to our landscapes, and can be had mostly for free.  A plant started from seed can greatly reduce
cost, give a feeling of ownership, and provide a glimpse into the magical
transformation that comes with a blooming flower. On August 6, 7:00 p.m., join
the Lake-to-Prairie Chapter of Wild Ones at Fremont Public Library, 1170 North
Midlothian Road, Mundelein, IL 60060, to hear about "Native Landscapes for Pennies . . . Seed Propagation."

For directions Phone: 224-377-8201.

FULL PROGRAM
DESCRIPTION

Native plants add beauty and a
sense of connection to our landscapes, and can be had mostly for free.  A plant started from seed can greatly reduce
cost, give a feeling of ownership, and provide a glimpse into the magical
transformation that comes with a blooming flower.

The cost of potted plants is high,
almost painful at times.  While seed can
be purchased, an extra level of frugality and satisfaction can be achieved by
collecting your own seed, propagating new plants, and watching them turn into
nature’s beauty. 

Jim Keenan will present an
overview of the collecting, processing, and planting of seed collected from
local sources. Information will be presented on:

•           seed
readiness,

•           tools
and techniques used in harvesting, and

•           drying,
cleaning and storage of prairie seeds.

Jim will talk about his experience
hand collecting seed and planting his 4 acre restoration, now in its 10th year.  Over 150 species of native plants now grow in
what had been a corn/bean field.  Photos
of his and other plantings from local seed sources will be shown.

BIOGRAPHY

After retiring from 33 years of teaching physics, Jim turned
his energy and attention to prairie reconstruction on a farm field adjoining
original remnant prairie.  Jim has
obtained the Ecological Restoration Certificate from the McHenry County
Conservation District, and has worked with their native plant ecologist since
the start of the district’s volunteer seed collecting program.  He also works with The Land Conservancy (TLC)
on their seed sharing day, collecting, processing and mixing seed distributed
to members doing restoration on their properties.  He is also chairman of the Wildflower
Preservation and Propagation Committee (WPPC), which has an annual Native Plant
Seminar and Spring Plant Sale, in addition to a mentoring program, school grant
program, and “Walks on the Wild Side” for the general public.