Growing Native

If you are looking for a great volunteer opportunity this fall, consider collecting native seeds for Growing Native.

Growing Native is a Potomac Conservancy project that grows native trees to be planted in the Potomac Watershed. In case you don't remember from your BTW field study, a watershed is the area of land through which water drains to the same point. Trees are an important part of the watershed, as they help filter out trash and pollutants before they reach our rivers and streams (think: drinking water!).

Growing Native is an opportunity for you to collect native seeds and bring them to the many drop-off points around the DC area. Seeds that are the most highly sought-after by Growing Native are acorns (oak tree seeds), paw paw seeds, beech nuts, black walnuts, and hickory nuts. Seeds should be collected in paper or cloth bags (not plastic!) and brought to your nearest drop-off site.

For more infomation about Growing Native or to find your nearest drop-off site, visit thier website www.growingnative.org. Please note that you cannot pick up seeds at national parks, as these lands have strict regulations against collection of any park resource!

As always, feel free to contact BTW if you have any questions about volunteer projects!

Becca