posted: Oct 10, 2008



Right now we're splitting our time between the plot, the ridge, seed cleaning, and developing seed mixes.  On the plot we're harvesting western aster (Aster occidentalis) and Lewis flax (Linum lewisii) while waiting for the Missouri goldenrod (Solidago missouriensis) to be ready.  Also, with winter fast approaching we are preparing the plot by mowing down the remaining plant material, draining the drip lines, seeding more rows, mulching, and other basic winterizing activities.  Fall is an excellent time to plant and seed these natives in prepared sites AND in their natural setting so we are also charging ahead with some restoration seeding on the ridge.  We have several disturbed sites on the ridge where we are broadcasting grass seed and mulch.  The spots we are focused on are areas where downed trees, snow banks, or weed removal have left open sites with less vegetation.  These sites are excellent spots for weeds to gain a foothold and so we are attempting to preempt new invasions with these re-seeding efforts.  With all of this work to do before the snow flies we are lucky to have the help of a few Restoration Ecology students from Washington State University.  They have already helped immensely.  Jacie and I especially appreciate the fact that we don't have to carry all of the seed and mulch ourselves!