Full Circle: BLM and Special K Ranch Plant Native Sagebrush Seedlings

When residents of Special K Ranch helped put sagebrush seedlings in the ground this fall, it marked a milestone in the native seed program and the partnership with the Special K Ranch.

In every step of the process – from the initial seed collection to the greenhouse growing  and finally to the rehabilitation of an area burned by wildland fire -- Special K Ranch has been involved.

“This is very exciting because the residents are getting to see firsthand how valuable their work is,” said Wendy Velman, BLM botanist for the Montana/Dakotas State Office. “This is an opportunity for them to see how all the different steps come together.”

On November 5, BLM employees and Special K Ranchers gathered near Bridger, Montana, in an area burned by the 2021 Robertson Draw Fire. Their mission was to plant 200 black sagebrush (Artemisia nova) and Wyoming big sagebrush (Artemisia tridentata ssp. wyomingensis ) seedlings that had been started and tended by Special K Ranchers in their 60,000-square foot greenhouse. Before this late fall planting day, the young plants had been moved outside to acclimate.

The BLMers and Ranchers separated into teams to get the seedlings into the hard ground. Although native grasses have made a good comeback in the area, it wasn’t hard to find burned stumps of the old sagebrush plants. It is hoped that these new seedlings will take hold and spread, restoring some of the plant diversity lost in the fire.

Each plant required a hole 8-10 inches deep – not an easy task in the hard, rocky soil. Once placed, each plant was carefully packed with soil and left to nature.

“Studies have shown 40-75 percent survival of Wyoming big sagebrush from container stock, but we have no information on the black sage,” Velman said. “We will be monitoring this site with SKR to understand survival rates better here. Weather conditions and moisture are the deciding factors!”

The large group finished in good time, but not too soon. Just as they were wrapping up, a cold wind brought in scattered snow flakes…a reminder that winter is on its way.

The group stayed at the site long enough to enjoy a hot meal of homemade soup and chili, organized by Velman.

Like the seedlings, camaraderie among the BLM staff and Special K Ranchers continues to grow. This special partnership promises a bright and productive future.

Special K Ranch is a working ranch near Columbus, Montana, that provides a home and vocation for people with developmental disabilities. Besides its partnership with the BLM to produce native plants and shrubs, the ranch also grows tomatoes and bedding plants that are sold by vendors locally and across Montana.