Seed Processing - Low Tech: Collecting and Cleaning Native Seeds
- Dana Campbell
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
Each fall, Blue Heron Headwaters Conservancy collects native seeds from our protected properties and nearby natural areas. These seeds help us restore and strengthen local ecosystems, ensuring that native plants continue to thrive and support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy headwaters for generations to come.
Why We Collect Native Seeds
Collecting seeds from local native plants helps preserve the genetic diversity of our regional ecosystems. It’s also a sustainable and cost-effective way to grow plants for restoration projects, educational gardens, and community plantings. By gathering and replanting native seeds, we’re supporting resilient habitats that are better adapted to our soils, weather, and pollinators.
And you can do it too - many native plant seeds are still available to collect in late fall.
What’s Still Available This Season
Even as the growing season winds down, several late-blooming species are ready for harvest. Keep an eye out for:
Mountain Mint (Pycnanthemum spp.)
Showy Goldenrod (Solidago speciosa) – an upright species preferred over others that spread aggressively
Smooth Aster (Symphyotrichum laeve)
Prairie Heart-Leaved Aster (Symphyotrichum oolentangiense)
New England Aster (Symphyotrichum novae-angliae)
Yellow Coneflower (Ratibida pinnata)
When collecting, be sure seeds are fully mature and dry, and leave plenty behind for wildlife and natural regeneration.
Processing Seeds -The Low-Tech Way
Once collected, seeds need to be cleaned and sorted before storage. BHHC staff and volunteers often use simple, low-tech tools - like sieves, bottles, or even a hair dryer - to separate seeds from chaff and prepare them for winter storage.
To see examples and step-by-step methods, download our illustrated guide:
This guide includes easy techniques for processing a variety of native seeds—from coneflowers and beardtongue to milkweed and black-eyed susan, using items you may already have at home.
Why It Matters
Each cleaned and stored seed represents the next generation of native plants that will take root in protected headwaters, meadows, and forests. These plants stabilize soils, support pollinators, and maintain the natural character of the landscapes we all depend on.
Whether you’re collecting a handful from your backyard or joining a volunteer seed collection day, your efforts help conserve the ecological richness of our region. Interested in joining us? Become part of our volunteer team and help with future seed collections, plantings, and habitat restoration projects. Learn more and sign up here.