Developing a Local Seed Source for Watershed Revegetation
Dec 4, 2012 at 9:26 AM 2 Comments
Trials are Underway for Propagation of Shade-tolerant Groundcover Plants
It’s that time of year again when the weather starts to cool and the rain is inescapable; and also the perfect time of year for land managers to sow native seeds at restoration sites.
The Environmental Services Watershed Revegetation Program team works on natural area restoration projects with other City of Portland bureaus and many public and private groups. The restoration work improves water quality, controls erosion, reduces stormwater pollution, and enhances fish and wildlife habitat.
With hundreds of acres of English ivy and other invasive species removed, restoring native groundcovers can be a challenge. Since most shade-tolerant, native groundcovers are not available commercially, the Watershed Revegetation Program has partnered with Metro and Clean Water Services to determine the best species and propagation techniques to create a region-wide seed source. They collected native seeds throughout the summer of 2012 at different sites around Portland, mostly in Forest Park. Some of the species targeted were Pacific waterleaf (Hydrophyllum tenuipes), candy flower (Claytonia sibirica), fringecup (Tellima grandiflora), and largeleaf avens (Geum macrophyllum).
In addition to sowing these seeds at restoration sites, seeds were sown in experimental plots this fall. Germination success will be measured for different methods and at different application rates, and data will be collected next summer. Results will be shared with Metro and Clean Water Services, who are conducting similar trials. Stay tuned for the results; we can’t wait to see what pops up in the spring!
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Kristan B
December 5, 2012 at 8:49 AM
Thanks for highlighting this smart work. I guess that I've just assumed that plants just "come back" when the invaders are removed. The reality probably is that the invaders come back unless we provide lots of help to reestablish natives. It hadn't occurred to me that there wasn't a ready supply of what is needed to restore natural vegetation. I'll bet you're helping create a new industry! (Jobs, jobs, jobs - yeah!)
KDayo
December 5, 2012 at 5:06 PM
Nice work, Revegers! Perhaps this will lead to the incubation of another local nursery niche market like ya'll inspired with native grasses up the valley.
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