On November 15th, Ouabache Land Conservancy volunteers gathered at Sportland Park’s Ed Shannon Shelter in Clinton, Indiana for a hands-on restoration effort. With plenty of wind rustling through the shelter, everyone stomped into action—using the inelegant but effective method of stepping on dried seeds and seed pods to help separate seeds from their chaff.

Cleaning and prepping these seeds is simple work, but it’s essential. They will be planted soon to expand future prairie and pollinator habitats, supporting birds, butterflies, bees, and the many species that depend on native plants to thrive.

It was a productive morning of conversation, teamwork, and a shared commitment to returning these seeds to the landscape.