Exciting progress is underway at Mississinewa Lake as efforts have commenced to establish 60 acres of vital pollinator habitat. This project has been made possible through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation, Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, and multiple other partners. In February, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) staff initiated dormant seeding, marking the first step in jumpstarting the process.
Sowing seeds during the winter months on these sites allows for precise placement of seeds directly into untilled soil by the no-till drill. This method helps improve seed-to-soil contact, enhances germination rates, and promotes the growth of diverse plant species in restored habitats with minimal disturbance to the land.
For many native forb species, cold stratification is a crucial process for breaking seed dormancy and triggering germination. Cold stratification mimics the natural conditions seeds would experience during the winter, such as exposure to cold and moisture. This process helps seeds overcome dormancy and prepares them for germination when conditions become favorable in the spring.
Some annual forbs may only appear in the first year, while others can reseed and persist for years. Perennial forbs, on the other hand, may take longer to establish, usually becoming more abundant in the second, third, or fourth growing season. Patience is essential when creating pollinator habitats.
For farmers and private landowners looking to establish pollinator habitats, reach out to the habitat help desk at habitat@monarchjointventure.org for guidance and support.
To learn more about this project, read our previous blog post at https://monarchjointventure.org/blog/partnerships-pollinators-mississinewa-habitat-project