April 04, 2025
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Hall High School students continue to learn from conservation garden

Master gardeners, naturalists help lead students

By Shaw Local News Network
Hall High School science teachers and their students are continuing to change the world one seed at a time. In the fall, students gathered seeds from the school wildflower conservation garden under the direction of master gardeners and naturalists from the Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam County University of Illinois Extension.

Hall High School science teachers and their students are continuing to change the world one seed at a time. In the fall, students gathered seeds from the school wildflower conservation garden under the direction of master gardeners and naturalists from the Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam County University of Illinois Extension. (Photo provided by Marilyn Jean Smith)

Hall High School science teachers and their students are continuing to change the world one seed at a time.

In the fall, students gathered seeds from the school wildflower conservation garden under the direction of master gardeners and naturalists from the Bureau, La Salle, Marshall and Putnam County University of Illinois Extension.

After drying and separating the seeds from the chaff, students learned how to stratify native seeds collected from the conservation garden.

On Nov. 21, Master Gardener Barb Dahlbach, Master Gardener Trainee Marcia Gray and Master Gardener/Master Naturalist Coordinator Bettyann Harrison, spent the day in science classes assisting students with stratification of their native wildflower seeds. Native wildflower seeds need to experience a period of cold to germinate. This cold period of stratification can vary depending upon the species.

Students learned about the purpose of stratification and applied this new knowledge by stratifying the seeds collected in the fall. This process included sifting the seeds, mixing a 10/1 moist sand to seed ratio, placing in a plastic bag, and refrigerating for at least 90 days. In the spring the students will return to the conservation garden to spread the seeds and continue to support the growth of native habitats.

Native wildflower plantings ensure the survival of many species as well as provide for a multitude of educational opportunities in the community.

If you are interested in learning more about providing habitat for native plants, animals, and pollinators, contact Harrison, master gardener/master naturalist coordinator at 309-364-2356 or email bettyann@illinois.edu. The Conservation Garden at Hall High School in Spring Valley is a glimpse into the of history of Illinois native prairies, according to the University of Extension.

Illinois Extension leads public outreach for University of Illinois by translating research into action plans that allow Illinois families, businesses and community leaders to solve problems, make informed decisions and adapt to changes and opportunities.

The Mission of University of Illinois Extension is to provide practical education to help people, businesses and communities solve problems, develop skills and build a better future. Go to https://extension.illinois.edu/blmp for more information or call 815-224-0889. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the Illinois Valley Community College campus.