A forest does not renew itself in place. Each generation of trees depends on seeds reaching suitable ground, surviving weather and wildlife, and finding enough…
Posts
How wind and water move native seeds through the watershed
How to Start a Seed Collection Club at Your Local Library
A library can be much more than a place to borrow books. With a small amount of planning, it can become a gathering point for people who want to learn about…
How Native Trees Sustain Local Food Webs
A forest is more than a collection of trees. It is a living network in which leaves feed caterpillars, flowers support pollinators, seeds nourish birds and…
How to Identify Black Cherry in the Field
Black cherry (Prunus serotina) is one of the most widespread native cherry trees in eastern North America. It grows in forests, woodland edges, old fields,…
When To Collect American Sycamore Seeds
American sycamores are among the most recognizable trees along the Potomac River and its tributaries. Their mottled bark, broad leaves, and round seed balls…
How to lead an accessible seed collection walk
A seed collection walk can connect people with local forests while producing planting material for healthier streams and woodland habitats. For seniors and…
How Air Pollution Shapes Acorn Production in Urban Forests
Oak trees are among the most important native species in the Potomac River watershed. Their acorns feed wildlife, support forest regeneration, and eventually…
Build a Habitat Corridor From Locally Collected Seeds
A habitat corridor connects isolated patches of woodland, streamside vegetation, and shrub cover so wildlife can move, feed, shelter, and reproduce across a…
The Benefits of Collecting Seeds from Native Shrubs Like Viburnum
Healthy forests begin with a surprising amount of patience. Before a seedling can stabilize a streambank, shade a headwater creek, or provide cover for…
How to use a dichotomous key for tree identification
A dichotomous key is a step-by-step guide that helps you identify an unfamiliar tree by comparing visible characteristics. At each stage, it presents two…