BRAD HORN/Nevada Appeal Mel Choy, of Reno, helps gather bitterbrush seeds during a volunteer effort led by the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension's Kim Toulouse on Saturday off Hobart Road in the Lakeview area.
Volunteers spent Saturday morning collecting bitterbrush seed to be planted this fall in select areas burned by the Waterfall fire. University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, the Lakeview Fire Safe Council and the Nevada Department of Wildlife led the effort to collect the seed from participating private properties in the Lakeview area.
Most bitterbrush plants did not sprout back after last summer's Waterfall fire in Carson City that claimed 18 homes and more than 8,000 acres.
The seed source was low before the fire and many seeds burned during the fire. Bitterbrush provides food for mule deer and many rodents, as well as habitat and cover for wildlife such as songbirds and small mammals.
Since seeds are maturing this month, it is the ideal time to harvest them. To ensure best success of the seeds germinating, they will be planted later this fall.
"We are very happy to help with this effort," said JoAnne Skelly, Carson City/Storey County Extension Educator with the University of Nevada Cooperative Extension.
"Bitterbrush is a native plant that plays a key role in Nevada's wildlife," she said.
