September 21
Native Seed Collection Volunteer Event
REGISTER FOR THE EVENT
This is an all-day, outdoor event.
Looking for a fun and rewarding way to connect with nature? Join us at Elk Island National Park for a hands-on native seed collection event on Sunday, September 21, 2025.
The Otipemisiwak Métis Government’s Environment and Climate Change Department is working with Parks Canada to hold a Citizen volunteer event to collect seeds from a variety of native plants within the National Park. The seeds collected from this event will be stored in a seed bank and used to help restore Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas by increasing the presence of native plants.
This is a free event, and no prior experience is needed to participate. By volunteering, you will gain some hands-on experience with plant identification and seed collection, including access to all the tools and plant ID materials necessary, a catered bagged lunch, and transportation from Edmonton to Elk Island National Park and back.
The event will run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Itinerary:
8:45 a.m.: Event check-in and bus boarding
9:15 a.m.: Departure from Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre
10:00 a.m.: Arrival at Elk Island National Park Visitor Center (washrooms, water refill station, gift shop)
10:00 – 10:15 a.m.: Board the bus to seed collection location #1
10:15 – 10:45 a.m.: Parks Canada safety talk
10:45 – 11:15 a.m.: Intro to native seed collection techniques
11:15 – 12:15 p.m.: Seed collection at location #1
12:15 p.m.: Bus to Tawayik Lake Recreation Area for lunch
12:30 – 1:30 p.m.: Lunch
1:30 p.m.: Walk to seed collection location #2
1:45 – 2:45 p.m.: Seed collection at seed collection location #2
2:45 p.m.: Board the bus to the Visitor Center
3:00 – 3:30 p.m.: Stop at Visitor Center (washrooms, water refill station, gift shop)
3:30 p.m.: Departure from Elk Island National Park
4:15 p.m.: Arrival at the Edmonton Inn and Conference Centre
4:30 p.m.: Bus unloading and farewells
A limited number of spots are available.
Seats are limited and offered to Citizens on a first-come, first-served basis. If you wish to participate, please register by Friday, September 19, 2025. Please only register if you are committed to attending. If you register and do not attend, you prevent someone else from having this opportunity.
Registered for the event and can no longer attend? It’s OK. Life happens! Please notify us at environment@metis.org so we can offer your spot to someone else.
The Native Seed Collection event is an outdoor event that requires considerable walking on uneven terrain and unofficial trails. Seating and rest tables will be limited. Participants will be on their feet, spending extended periods standing, sharing outdoor spaces with wildlife, and using sharp tools such as small pruners and scissors. Please keep these factors in mind when registering. Due to the nature of this activity, this event is recommended for those aged 12+.
Note for Attendees: This event will take place rain or shine. Please check the weather report for the date and dress appropriately. Consider bringing:
- Comfortable hiking/walking shoes
- Backpack
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sun hat, sunglasses, etc.)
- Raingear (raincoat, boots, etc.)
- Bug spray
- Water bottle + extra snacks
If you’re interested in the event but it’s already fully booked, add your name to our waitlist on Eventbrite!
If you have any questions, please reach out to environment@metis.org.