Volunteers Needed to Collect Sagebrush Seed

Idaho Fish and Game is looking for volunteers to collect sagebrush seed again this fall for use in ongoing wildlife habitat restoration across the region. Collection will take place on Saturdays in November and early December, beginning November 15. While range fires were not as common or widespread this summer as in summers past, shrub land restoration remains a priority for the Southwest Region Volunteer Program. The seed collected this year will be used to grow seedlings for future plantings and will be available to distribute across recently burned areas. Sagebrush seed is the focus of this effort; the native shrub is an important winter food source for mule deer and pronghorn, and also provides food and cover benefits for a variety of other wildlife, including sage-grouse. Like other deep-rooted plants, sagebrush helps stabilize soils and reduce erosion. The foothills north and east of Boise will be the focus of this year's seed collection efforts. "Bring your family and friends along," volunteer coordinator Michael Young said. "This is a great excuse to get outside and enjoy the outdoors during the shortest days of the year." To register or learn more, contact Young at 327-7095 or email myoung@idfg.idaho.gov.