THE SEED COLLECTOR

There are many lessons learned when the days are spent with plant and animal folk—a literacy of some ancient hum that this unseasoned human must learn. On the fall day before rain this early October—unbeknownst to me—the acorns were ready. Yet, the emissaries of summer hunger showed this humble seed collector the true rhyme and reason of the land. Scrub jays darted between branches. Their beaks filled with green oak offspring, ready to plant thousands of acorns this season. The crew and I watched them plant in our restoration fields. Later that day, deer were feasting on the gleanings of scrub jay frenzy, then us, participating in the fall harvest of ancient rings. 

The acorns from Coast Live Oak, Quercus agrifolia, are to be planted in sites (by us, not birds) across the Ojai Valley, along with other collections of 71 species and counting of local native plants. The community of OVLC is fostering the collecting, processing, growing, and planting of these seeds. Lessons are learned by trial, error, and the meticulous eyes of a student. We hope that this gift of seeds is an investment for the future. If fire hits again, we may plant seeds saved. Those fields of acorns, turned into oak woodlands, are for the love of our children’s children. 

The wind that carries jay wings, seed plume, and our breath knows no boundaries. We are stewards of this valley, plant and animal folk alike. 

Sophie McLean
Native Plant Specialist