Direct News About Direct Seeding!

View or download a copy of the episode transcript here.

By Cate Kreider

As with any field of science, new methods for the Vermont restoration scene are being evaluated and initiated all the time. However, especially in restoration work, the timeline to reach implementation after beginning research is long and uncertain.

Direct seeding is a method of planting trees and shrubs that has been carefully considered and researched for the past 6 years. This method, capable of interrupting invasive species monocultures, seeding large plots without large crews, and being adapted to suit multiple types of restoration work has been implemented on several sites across Vermont. Now, the collection of researchers, site crews, and stakeholders involved are waiting eagerly for the first signs of success after germination.

This month I spoke with two familiar faces, Will Eldridge from VT Fish and Wildlife and Jess Colby from the Northwoods Stewardship Center, about their part in this large-scale study. They represent Pete Emerson, who has been leading the project through obstacles and victories alike since it first began. 

From logistics to theory to predictions, we cover the basics and not-so-basics of direct seeding.

If you're interested in working with our guests or learning more about direct seeding you can contact Pete Emerson by emailing Peter.Emerson [at] vermont.gov and Will Eldridge by emailing William.Eldridge [at] vermont.gov. For information on hydroseeding in particular, contact Jess Colby by emailing jess [at] northwoodscenter.org. For information about acquiring seed for use in restoration projects, contact Brooke Fleischman by emailing brooke [at] intervale.org.

This episode featured the call of the Red Winged Blackbird. It was recorded by Barry Edmonston in Barnstable County  Massachusets on June 28th of 2019. We downloaded the song from xeno-canto.org.

This project has been funded wholly or in part by the United States Environmental Protection Agency under assistance agreement (LC00A00695-0) to NEIWPCC in partnership with the Lake Champlain Basin Program.

Image: At the Hubbardton River Clay Plain Forest in Benson VT is a test site for the direct seeding project. Two TNC crew members are using the hydroseeder to spread seed on the site. The picture was taken in April of 2021.

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