Seeds of Succession

Recent wildfires have grabbed our attention. First, the Oak Hill fire directly affected some of our students and their families. Then subsequent fires in Spicewood, Steiner Ranch, and Bastrop County have triggered concern and prompted many of my students to ask what happens to wildlife when their habitat burns.

In Taste of Science classes this week we have been studying the role fire plays in an ecosystem. As a culminating activity, students combined native wildflower and grass seeds with clay and compost to create seedballs. 

You don't have to make seedballs to sow wildflower and grass seed, but it does improve germination results. Loose scattered seed can blow or wash away. Seeds can also be eaten by wildlife. The clay hardens, but when exposed to sufficient rain, partially dissolves. This keeps the seed in place.

These seedballs will be used in the Lost Pines area to jump start the recovery of the land. Getting native producers established prevents further erosion and is critical for recovering animal populations.

Initially a few students were reluctant to get their hands into the mushy mixtures, but thanks to some intrepid classmates, it didn't take long for everyone else to join in the fun. See for yourself:

Thanks to Meg Inglis for getting Small involved and delivering the seed kits.

Pictures by PhotoGraef.