Operation Wildflower

Usually, the Idaho Transportation Department does not advocate throwing things from the back of a motorcycle.

But occasionally, that behavior is encouraged.

Through the Adopt-A-Highway program, roadside beautification efforts and Operation Wildflower, program coordinator Sherie Sweaney has heard of people using unusual methods to distribute seeds.

"Some people have been known to hop on a motorcycle and throw the seeds off as they fly down the road," Sweaney said.

"I've heard of them using a battery-powered water pistol to shoot the seeds up steep hillsides. I've heard of freezing the wildflower seeds into ice cubes and then dropping the ice cubes on the hillside, so that as it melts it has a supply of water to get started."

People can be creative, she said.

"I've had folks throw seeds onto fresh snow figuring it will melt in a day or two," she said. "With many of the birds having migrated, the seeds find their way into enough soil to grow."

Sweaney said it only takes 1/16 of an inch or so for the seeds to get established.

Of course, the most mundane way to spread seed is also the most popular - with a spreader or by hand.

Fire Cracker Penstemon is most often used in the higher elevations.

The fall months are the most common planting months for the wildflower program, said Connie Marshall of ITD's vegetation crew.

"Planting is often done earlier in the fall, in September and October, since some of the wildflower planting requires minor tilling before the ground is frozen," Marshall said.

Planting can take place as late as November, since "some seeds require a freeze in order to germinate," she said.

Operation Wildflower features more than 60 groups who plant along the roadsides of the state highways. Seeds are selected based on what grows best in that region. Selected varieties are drought-resistant and require little or no water to live.

Anyone interested in volunteering can go to the left-hand side of the homepage at itd.idaho.gov. People also can go to Operation Wildflower to access the program's information and an application. ITD provides wildflower seeds to volunteer groups in 4-ounce packets.

ITD's Operation Wildflower Program received a leadership award from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators in the Environmental Partnership category for encouraging and supporting native and desirable wildflower growth to promote highway beautification and aid in erosion and weed control.