Project Native Harvest: Granville Sand Barrens

Project Native Harvest 

2026 Volunteer Seed Collection Series 

Join us for 'Project Native Harvest' our 2026 volunteer seed collection series! As NICHES staff and volunteers restore habitats and remove invasive plant species from our preserves, we can help reduce reinvasion and rebuild biodiversity by collecting locally sourced native seeds for habitat restoration. For this year’s effort, we will be hosting seed collection workdays every Friday (1-4pm) between July 31st and October 23rd at local nature preserves within a 10–50-minute drive of Lafayette. 

Registration is preferred. Sign up for this and other shifts here>>>

What to bring: Please dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear suitable for working outdoors. Since we'll be venturing off trail to collect native seeds, long pants and long sleeves are strongly recommended for protection from tall vegetation, insects, and poison ivy. We also recommend bringing sunscreen, insect repellent, work gloves, snacks, and plenty of water. 

Note: Seasonal timing and seed availability can be hard to predict. Some workday locations and target species may change as we get a better idea of what is available and where volunteer support is most needed. Participants will be notified by email of any location changes immediately! 

Where to meet: Granville Sand Barrens

From Lafayette/West Lafayette take South River Road, west across US 231 for about 6.5 miles until you reach the sign for West Point at 700 W. Take 700 W across the Granville Bridge, then take the first road (75 S which is gravel) to the right. Go about 1.6 miles and watch on your left for a sign in the parking area.

You will pass the sign for the Roy Whistler Wildlife Area before you reach the Granville Sand Barrens parking area. It is best to go to the parking lot of NICHES’ Granville Sand Barrens and then walk back to the Roy Whistler Wildlife Area if you wish to visit both properties, as there is no parking area at Roy Whistler Wildlife Area, and trails connect the two properties.

Full Schedule: