Volunteers play an important role in the restoration work at Pleasant Valley Conservancy.

Controlled Burns

Prescribed fire is a critical aspect of savanna and prairie restoration. Most fires at Pleasant Valley Conservancy require crews of at least 6 people, and more are preferable. The lead fire personnel are contractors, but volunteers participate. Volunteers who participate in Pleasant Valley Conservancy burns have had prescribed fire courses and considerable burn experience. However, people new to burns are also welcome to be involved, either as participants or as observers.

Seed Collecting

Virtually all of the seed used in restoration at Pleasant Valley Conservancy has been collected by hand, often by volunteers. Seed collecting is a major fall activity, beginning in early September and extending to early November. In most years, seeds from over 100 species are collected, often more.

The photos below show a group of volunteers collecting Indian grass in Toby's Prairie. On a fine fall day, there is no more relaxing activity than collecting seed!

Photo below: Lunch being served to the seed collecting group.

Planting Prairies and Savannas

Volunteers play an important role in planting prairies. All of the seed are planted by hand, and many hands make short work of the task.