Learn all about 'Super Seeds' at Isle a la Cache

Take your dog for a walk, and it may come back home covered in cockleburs.

While that may be a nuisance for you and your dog, try to look at the situation from the cocklebur’s perspective. Hitching a ride on a four-legged taxi is a wonderful way for the bur to take root in a new location.

“When a dog covered in burs scratches to remove the seeds caught in its fur, and the seeds drop to the ground, they have a chance to grow somewhere new,” said Jennifer Guest, an interpretive naturalist for the Forest Preserve District.

Dogs aren’t the only creatures that can move seeds around.

“Basically, seeds can get stuck to anything with fur or clothes,” Guest explained.

That’s just one example of kernels of information that will be sown during the Forest Preserve’s “Super Seeds” program scheduled for 2-3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 3, at Isle a la Cache Museum. The free program is for ages 5 and older; registration is required by Thursday, March 1.Participants will learn which seeds fly like helicopters and which ones stick like Velcro. They also will make a seed bomb to take home and plant.

Here’s a Q&A with Guest that highlights program activities and general information about seeds:

What kinds of activities will the “Super Seeds” program feature?
We are talking about seeds and how they get moved from one area to another – such as blowing or hitching a ride on an animal.

What types of seeds will be discussed?
We will be looking at acorns, milkweed seeds, maple seeds, fruit seeds and more.

Why is it important to know more about seeds?
Seeds are vehicles to spread new life from place to place. They come in all shapes and sizes, and they are food for humans and animals.

What are some of the coolest seeds?
Coconuts and anything from the touch-me-not family have fascinating characteristics. Coconuts move from place to place by floating in water. And touch-me-not seed pods explode when touched, sending seeds flying in all directions.

Are there misconceptions about seeds?
If you swallow an apple seed, a tree will not grow in your tummy!

How do you make a seed ball?
You take clay mixed with a bit of soil, mash it up and then push seeds inside of it. Form it all into a ball, let it dry and when it’s spring or summer throw your seed ball into a place that could use some beautiful plants, or you can give the seed ball to someone as a gift.

Should everyone be doing more to help spread the right kinds of seeds?
If you are going to plant seeds around your home, you should use native species.

For more information on using native seeds and plants in your home landscape, check out the Conservation@Home program offered by The Conservation Foundation. To purchase native plants, you can also mark your calendar to attend The Nature Foundation of Will County's upcoming "Bringing Nature Home Native Plant Sale," scheduled for Saturday, May 19, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., at Sugar Creek Administration Center.