Project Native Harvest: Weiler-Leopold

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. 

Where to meet: Weiler-Leopold Nature Reserve

From Lafayette/West Lafayette take South River Road/Division Road west across US 231 and follow that for 8.3 miles to the Ravines Golf Course at S 875 W and take a left. Follow S 875 W past Ross Hills Park and curve right onto W 50 S. Take the next left onto 925 W and follow that past Ross Camp and curve right onto W 75 S. Take the next left onto S 950 W and follow that across the Tippecanoe/Warren County line. When you cross into Warren County S 950 W becomes E 350 N. At the next intersection with N 1100 E take a left and follow the road for 0.7 miles, around the next curve. The shared parking lot for Black Rock Barrens and Weiler-Leopold will be on your left a short distance after you round the curve.

From Attica/Williamsport turn onto SR 55 from SR 28/41 and cross the bridge over Big Pine Creek. Take the first right onto E Independence Road. Follow Independence Road for 8.8 miles. The parking area for Black Rock Barrens, Weiler-Leopold, and Kohnke’s Little Pine Creek will be on your right.

The coordinates for the parking lot are: N 40° 21.542′ – W 87° 06.968′.

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! 

Full Schedule: