Seed Savers Needed for Heirloom Seed Library
The Library is looking for a few dedicated gardeners. Seed savers, to be exact.
In gearing up for year three of the Heirloom Seed Library, staffer Gina Marie Walden is recruiting volunteers willing to save varieties from the seed collection in bulk. She hopes to replenish and maintain the Heirloom Seed Library collection, housed in the Midtown Carnegie Branch and the Library Station from March to August. Library card holders can check out seed packets and use library resources to plant, grow and harvest.
“Being a part of this prestigious group will take a bit of a commitment to grow plants and save seeds for the Library, Walden says. “Volunteers will learn how to save one to two varieties from the Heirloom Seed Library collection.”
They will receive specialized crop management training from Missouri Extension Horticultural Specialist Patrick Byers.
“The Heirloom Seed Library project has given MU Extension an excellent platform to reach the gardening public with research-based gardening information that is specific to southwest Missouri,” Byers says. “The project has also raised awareness of seed saving, home gardening and preserving the harvest. We are extremely fortunate to have such active partners as the Springfield-Greene County Libraries, who share a common vision to serve the citizens of our community."
Walden, a Master Gardener and herbalist, explains, “Seed saving gives people a better connection with the land, helps increase their self-reliance… even allows them the opportunity to participate in a community project,” she says.
“This project has such a wonderful impact on our community members, from the Rare Breed garden to the Central High (garden),” she says. “We have had individuals come in to our branches who have never gardened before and they’re excited about being able to grow their own food. Quite frequently, they’re using the Heirloom Seed Library to supplement their own food in their home.”
To volunteer or for details, contact Gina Marie at 616-0508 or ginamariew@thelibrary.org. To make a monetary donation to the Heirloom Seed Library, contact The Library Foundation at 616-0586 or email valerier@thelibrary.org
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