Seedy volunteerism

Valley Life editor

Volunteers are needed to spend some time in one of the world's largest flower gardens.

Denali National Park and Preserve needs volunteer seed collectors to help gather seeds to be used in park restoration projects.

"Collectors get a couple of different bags for different seeds and then go out to different locations and collect native seeds," said Kris Fister, a National Park Service spokesperson for Denali National Park and Preserve.

Every volunteer gets a lesson in seed identification, and all tools and equipment are provided. Once the seeds are harvested, they will be used to keep the park looking beautiful.

"We use them to reseed the areas of the park where we are doing construction and renovation projects," Fister said. "Last year I think we had 10 to 12 volunteers."

The collecting days are scheduled for Aug. 3 through Aug. 6. Volunteers will collect seeds along the first 15 miles of the park road.

The National Park Service will provide free tent camping for the duration of the collection and transportation within the park. Volunteers can opt to camp in the park for three additional days after the work session.

On each day, Fister said seed collectors can figure on working between six and eight hours -- rain or shine.

Volunteers should be prepared for cold and rainy weather, as well as warm and sunny weather, because the collection isn't going to be canceled.

For more information, interested people can call Wendy Mahovlic at (907) 683-6246 by July 25.