Collecting Native Plant Propagules
Conclusion: Implementing Your Propagule Collection Project
Contents
Learning Objectives
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[6]
appreciate the necessity of developing good habits in record-keeping;
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[7]
describe the information, capabilities and resources needed to complete a native plant propagule collecting project;
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[8]
identify sources where the needed information, capabilities and resources may be acquired.
Narrative
Record Keeping from seed collection through planting and maintenance
allows you to adapt your procedures based on what is successful.
At the Golden Gate National Recreation Area website,
http://www.parksconservancy.org/dynamic/subpages/image_1_1144.pdf
,
they show an example
of a database containing propagation information for certain native species.
Tracking the germination and survival rate allows a calculation of the
amount of seed needed to cover a specific area. Collecting only the
needed amount allows the remaining seed to remain in the wild to continue
the source population.
It takes many years of observation and experimentation to develop the
quality of information now available for the Golden Gate National Recreation
Area.
Most projects have less time, more limited resources and less scientific
expertise than a National Park Restoration Program. Yet it is still useful
to keep records to supplement your intuition, which will develop as you
learn from your experiences, both positive and negative.
Exercises
- Discuss in the class or with fellow native plant enthusiasts the local sources
of information and expertise, such as nurseries that specialize in native plants.
- For a particular species of native plant, prepare a list of what you
know and what you don't know about collecting and preparing propagules.
Write a plan for dealing with the missing information- will you use the services
of a nursery, do additional reading, conduct experiments?
References
- Basic
- Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Information for Nurseries
-
http://www.parksconservancy.org/our_work/native_plants/information.asp
- Advanced
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The content of the page was last modified
2008-05-06