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SEEDSSeed libraries protect seed diversity, build greater community resilience, save families moneyFROM PAGE 1seeds better produce plants capable of thriving in local conditions.Kalkaska library patrons may also access Kalkaska Conservation District’s seed collection and seek advice from District staff, and contribute to the legacy.Those wanting to share their abundance can give the labeled seeds to KCD or library staff to ensure the smooth functioning (and cleanliness) of the seed library.“These locally grown seeds will be repackaged and shared within the community to continue fostering resiliency in the garden and increased genetic diversity for the crops we grow,” said the Conservation District’s Renee Penny, who offered to help those with questions at renee.penny@macd.org or 231-258-3307.Last year Traverse Area District Library distributed 3,500 seed packets from its repurposed card catalog located at the network’s Main Library. Here, gardeners find as many as 50 types of seeds, including corn, tomatoes, beans, peas, carrots, flowers and herbs tucked into the wooden drawers.“We’re trying to create a self-sustaining seed library,” said reference librarian Betsy Myers. “The only way we can sustain it is if people whosustain it is if people who get seed from us give back.In doing so, seeds become stronger and acclimated to local growing conditions.”Angela O’Hearn, co-librarian of Grow Benzie’s Seed Guild program also emphasizes the value of seeds from locally grown plants.“The seed is an amazing entity,” O’Hearn said. “Grown four to five times in our climate it’s more likely to do well and build a robust local seed library.”While seed libraries protect seed diversity, build greater community resilience, and save families money, they also embody the region’s agriculture heritage. Grow' Benzie’s program not only preserves heirloom seeds, but it also gathers stories shared from program gardeners.“Seeds are our connection to generations before us,”O’Hearn said. “It’s about the time and energy our ancestors put into perfecting various plants — all the intention and care. These seeds still exist and evolve.”Seed libraries continue to sprout across the region. Explore seed collections at Leelanau Towmship Library, Central Lake District Library and Fife Lake Public Library, or inquire at your neighborhood library.Gardeners may also view' an online map of Michigan seed libraries at the MI Seed Library Network website.Bonuscoverage!Subscribers, go to www.record-eagle.com to access the latest news and sports on our website and e-editionSpecial to the Record-Eagle/ Traverse Area District LibraryTraverse Area District Library distributed 3,BOO seed packets from its repurposed card catalog located at the network's Woodmere branch.Call231.922.4911March 13-22, 2025GRAND
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Traverse City North Coast
Traverse City, Michigan, US
Sat, May 25, 2024
Page 6
Full Page
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Traverse A.
MI, USA 12 Dec 2024
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