05-1-14 Diversity and Shrub Islands

05-1-14 Diversity and Shrub Islands

May 1, 2014

Jess Kindred provides insight into Shrub and Forb diversity at MPG Ranch and also details some aspects of our seed collection and planting methodology.

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Diversity and Shrub Islands By Jess Kindred

MPG crews collected seeds of native species in 2013 for out- planting on restoration sites. This spring the crew planted ranch seed in 10 diversity islands and 44 shrub patches. From these, a seedbank for local genotypes will establish in areas disconnected from potential seed sources. (Map)

Crews planted bitterbrush and rabbitbrush in the shrub patches. We raked rabbitbrush (above) into plots and planted bitterbrush (below) at half an inch depth.

Seth Dahl and James Sapp plant a shrub patch. Tools for the job lie in the foreground. This photo shows a completed plot.

do not expect this native forb to re-establish on former crested wheatgrass stands for many years. Crews planted this species in diversity islands to assist establishment, but this individual established on its own.

bove: Chris Henderson and Brian Battaglia plant forbs in a diversity island in the top house praire. In the photo below, Sainfoin grows from roots and seed. Sainfoin emerges earlier than most species.