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Seed Source, Collection and Preparation <br /> Seeds will be collected, prepared and stored using the following methods. Seeds for <br /> restoration will be collected from the area and preferably from the trees nearest the specific <br /> unit to be planted. This is to insure proper genetic stock for each unit. Seeds should be <br /> collected as they ripen in the fall, from September through November. Acorns showing <br /> evidence of insect infestation or damage, such as emergence holes, dark spots or splits, <br /> should not be collected. Seeds from different trees, groves and species should be kept <br /> separated. To prepare for storage, acorn caps should be removed, then acorns immersed in <br /> water, air dried and stored in plastic bags containing not more than 3 or 4 cups of acorns <br /> 1 each. Each bag should be carefully labelled with the species, date, and location of <br /> collection. Acorns will not keep more than a few months in a refrigerator before tap roots <br /> emerge, grow long and tangle together or mold. <br /> Seed spots should be prepared and planted in October,November, or December after rain <br /> has moistened the upper 12 inches of soil. This usually occurs after 3 inches of rain has <br /> fallen. Each restoration area should be evaluated for gophers, mice and ground squirrels <br /> which consume seeds or seedlings. If rodent populations are high,restoration in that area <br /> should be avoided. IPM rodent control of these populations may be undertaken if <br /> restoration is necessary in these areas. <br /> Follow-up maintenance of the planting spots includes monthly monitoring,regular weed <br /> removal, and thinning of multiple seedlings to the single strongest one. After the end of the <br /> rainy season, seedlings should be deep watered every 4 to 6 weeks during the first <br /> summer. A drying out period with no watering begins in September. In the fall, failed seed <br /> spots should be replanted to maintain the desired number of replacement trees. As <br /> seedlings grow, protective materials should be removed from the site and reused on other <br /> Buckeye Ranch Resource Plan (November, 1993) <br /> 177 <br />