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conch

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This might be better posted somewhere else, but one thing I've discovered about monster muley members, is their general willingness to give helpful information when asked.
Are there any botanists out there?
I would like to restore a small piece of land to its original prime wildlife habitat condition. Sagebrush, bitter brush and compatible native plant species were prominent before construction left a seriously negative result.
Can sagebrush/cliff rose be transplanted or is seed necessary to reestablish? What time of year would be optimal, and how much water is required to accomplish the goal?
What about native grass seeds? Can they be purchased or should I collect my own?
Any viable information appreciated.
 
I did considerable research for the restoration of some wetland in the southeast and I found the state to be the best resource for the needed information. Through them I located nursery?s specializing in native plants for these types of projects. The state was able to provide me with more publications and related data that I would have thought as well. I'd like to think most all states would have similar resources, Check with yours and see.



~Jeff~
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-10-05 AT 02:19PM (MST)[p]I'm a ranch kid, have a degree in Biology, and work for a conservation district here in ND. I'm not a botanist, but I've taken botany classes and range classes too, I work with the stuff everyday. First, native grass seed should be pretty easy to get, try a local grain elevator, they should be able to order it or know where to get it. The seed will be expensive, but for a small area it shouldn't bee too bad. It can be kinda tough to get native grasses established, but on a small piece of land it should be easier. The main thing is to keep out the weeds. About the small bushes and shrubs, I'm not really familiar with cliff rose, but it may be possible to get seed for it from the same place as you get the grass seed and mix it in. You should be able to transplant sagebrush, and you could try with the roses too I guess. A good source for local information would be your local NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) Office, there should be one in just about every county. They can provide a lot of help on a project like this, and should also know where to get the seed and about planting the shrubs and bushes, and maybe where you could get some stock to plant instead of digging your own. Anyway, they should be able to help you out. Let me know if I can be of any more help, and let me know how it turns out.

Keep the Sun at Your Back and the Wind in Your Face
 
The ranch that my wife grew up on has some ground enrolled in CRP program and a couple years ago the government people came by and said that they wanted sagebrush planted on some of it to stay in the program. Bottom line is that my brother-in-law got sagebrush seedlings some where and then had a crew come in and plant them in the ground, some made it and some didn't, so there are places that you can get native plant seedlings. Try your local soil conservation district, county extension, university bio dept, etc.
 
LAST EDITED ON Aug-11-05 AT 10:59AM (MST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Aug-11-05 AT 10:54?AM (MST)

Conch,

I've got a bit of experience with seeds and plant materials ( I grow Bean seed) and also have a strong interest in revegitation and native plants. I put up some links below to companies that can provide seed. You can collect native wild seed if you wish, it is pretty easy. Many seeds require a hardening or overwintering period to germinate. You can collect seeds this fall and put them in a dry place outdoors where moisture can not get at them and then plant in the spring. Refridgeration can also trick seed into being ready to germinate. Or you can just seed them this fall and hope for the best. Most plants, even xeric natives, can survive well without water once they are established. Don't confuse newly planted material with established, it may take several years of additional watering on your part to establish plant stands. You can purchase seeds to help plant larger areas and buy key plants to help fill in and give instant gratification. You will probably have to use a combination of all above. Many states such as Colorado have state programs where you can buy bare root and planted stocks of many plants, some are even native. You can also get permits from BLM and the USFS to remove plant material from public land and it is cheap. Let us know where you are located and we may be able to provide some more help. I can even send you some seed of my favorite Penstemons

Best,

BeanMan

Here are a couple of links which will help.
http://www.pawneebuttesseed.com/ourphilosophy.htm

http://www.seedsolutions.com/ArkansasValley.cfm

http://www.plantsofthesouthwest.com/cgi-bin/plantview.cgi?_recordnum=1254
 

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