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NORTHERNPEOPLEGARDENINGCheck ’em out: Seed libraries sow community benefitsSeed libraries protect seed diversity, build greater community resilience, save families moneyBY SALLY BARBERSpecial to the Record-EagleKALKASKA — The region’s public libraries and other entities cultivate support for growers by building seed collections offered to patronswithout cost.Outmoded card catalogs, once used to navigate library book collections, now fill with packs of vegetable, flower and herb seeds destined to grow knowledge in ways befitting the times.“Growing food and flowers for beauty is powerful in today’s chaotic world,” said Bellaire Public Library clerk Jessi Reed.Reed said libraries, like hers, create an ideal environment for seed sharing. They draw folks from a crosssection of a community and provide a welcoming space for beginners to master gardeners to engage in seed programs which serve to enhance local agriculture education.“At our library, we have a lot of senior citizens, who have time on their hands, and younger families interested in trying things with their kids,” she said.Kalkaska County Library’s seed program marks its second year. Partnering with Kalkaska Conservation District, the program makesavailable “a little bit of everything,” including fruit, vegetable, wildflower and herb seeds.“The goal is to get people growing their own food and knowing where their food comes from,” said District community engagement specialist Sarah Schroeder.As the program matures, organizers hope growers will clean, dry and return seeds gleaned from their bounty to expand the collection. Schroeder said next generationSEE SEEDS PAGE 6
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Traverse City North Coast
Traverse City, Michigan, US
Sat, May 25, 2024
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MI, USA 12 Dec 2024
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