It's raining seeds!

In partnership with the National Forest Foundation, a contract has been awarded to begin spreading more than 20,000 pounds of seeds across 900 acres of landslides and areas along streams and rivers in the Grandfather and the Appalachian Ranger Districts of the Pisgah National Forest. Seeding operations will use both helicopters and ground based methods and are expected to take place throughout October and November.

Hurricane Helene left many of these areas with bare rock and exposed soil, making them vulnerable to erosion and the spread of invasive plants.

To help restore these areas, two ecologically appropriate seed mixes were developed- one for landslides and the other for riparian areas. The seed mixes are made up of different native herbs, shrubs and trees, along with annual, fast growing cover crops. The cover crops will help stabilize the soil in the short term, while native vegetation becomes established to minimize erosion and the introduction of invasive plant species over the long term.

Just one more seed in the right direction.