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Last week, conservation districts in Sanders County teamed up to host a series of free seed handout events as part of their Pollinator Initiative to help support pollinator habitats in the area. Eastern Sanders County Conservation District (ESCCD) and Green Mountain Conservation District (GMCD) traveled around the county to hand out free seed mix that consists of native plant species and wild flowers such as yellow prairie cone-flower, western yarrow, wild bergamot and black-eyed Susan. The seed mix came in various sizes to cover plots from 100, 250, 500 and 1,000 square feet. One in every three bites of food is supported by pollinators such as bees. The conservation districts say these pollinators work to provide vital ecosystem services to plants and humans alike.

This year's free seed events serve as the second year since the project has been set in motion. "We recorded 139 people receiving seed, but a lot of people grabbed some for friends and neighbors, so I think it's safe to say we reached over 150 Sanders County residents," said Emily Baker, ESCCD administrator. "We handed out seeds to the most people in Plains but Thompson Falls ended up being the winner for most square footage handed out.

Forty-three people in Plains took home enough seed mix to cover a total of 25,050 square feet. The event in Thompson Falls saw 31 people who brought home enough seed mix to cover 26,700 total square feet. Trout Creek with 29 people, covering a total of 24,650 square feet. Noxon saw 24 people bring home enough seed mix to cover a total of 21,450 square feet. The conservation districts reached 12 people in Camas Prairie, covering a total of 6,150 square feet, reaching a grand total of 104,000 square footage that will help aid in bringing food and increasing habitats for local pollinators.

"We've been able to reach a lot of people all the way from Heron to Hot Springs," said Sarah Busmire, GMCD administrator. "We definitely plan to do this again next year and we will choose different locations to hopefully cater to more people throughout the county."

The Pollinator Initiative was funded by a grant through the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation and the conservation districts hope to continue the initiative while also working to continue support for private land owners and their conservation goals.

The administrators ordered twice as much seed as last year's event and both agree this service is needed in Sanders County. "This was a partner effort between ESCCD, GMCD and the Lower Clark Fork Watershed Group," said Baker. "Two employees from NRCS in Plains also attended our events and were very helpful in educating people about weed control and what grasses might grow best with the seed mix."

Extra seed mix is available for pickup at both conservation district offices. The Trout Creek office is currently open by appointment only and the Plains USDA office is open daily. There is also extra seed mix available at Limberlost Brewery in Thompson Falls.