Before modern day flood control, the spring flood created an ideal seedbed for cottonwood seeds to germinate. As the floodwaters gently receded the seedling’s roots would grow deep into the soil to maintain close contact with the water. Since the river no longer floods like it used to it is more difficult for cottonwoods to germinate and grow along the banks. Many of the mature trees are reaching the end of their life span and newer trees have grown from runners and are genetically identical to their parent tree.
This is where BREN steps in.
Each June volunteers gather black cottonwood seed from up and down the Boise River. Seeds are germinated in trays and seedlings are cared for by BREN for two years before they are planted at the river by BREN and our partner agencies. Planting trees grown from seed helps to create a genetically diverse cottonwood forest.
