#nativeseeds — Public Fediverse posts

#AnasaziBean planting & care

"Looking to grow beautiful, healthy Anasazi beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, support, watering, and harvesting so you can enjoy them as fresh #SnapBeans or fully dried #StorageBeans.

QUICK FACTS

Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Planting: After all danger of frost has passed
Spacing: Sow about 2 in. apart; thin to 4 in. apart
Support: Trellis or fence recommended (vigorous climber)
Harvest (dry beans): When pods are brown and fully dry

ANASAZI BEANS PLANTING & CARE

Anasazi beans are a striking maroon-and-white variety with a sweet, nutty flavour and a hearty texture. They’re excellent in baked beans, Tex-Mex dishes, and alongside rice. They’re also drought-tolerant once established and often cook faster than pinto beans (many cooks find they require less soaking).

With successive plantings, Anasazi beans can be enjoyed as green beans or left to mature for dried beans.

PLANTING

- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant after the risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
- Sow seeds 1–1.5 in. deep, spacing about 2 in. apart.
- Water after planting to settle soil; keep soil lightly moist (not soaked) until germination.
- Thin seedlings to about 4 in. apart once they are established.
- Provide a trellis, fence, or stakes—Anasazi beans are vigorous climbers.
- As vines grow, gently guide them onto the support to encourage upward growth.

CARE TIPS

Watering: Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Support: A trellis improves airflow, keeps pods cleaner, and makes harvesting easier.

Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen. If your soil is poor, add compost before planting or use a light, balanced fertilizer early in growth—avoid heavy nitrogen, which can reduce pod production.

HARVESTING

- For fresh eating (green beans): Harvest pods young and tender.
- For dried beans: Leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and dry.
- Harvest plants or pick pods before prolonged wet weather to reduce mould risk.
- Shell beans and allow them to dry completely before storage.
- Store fully dried beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container."

Source:
https://ttseeds.com/blogs/vegetable-growing/t-and-t-anasazi-beans

#SolarPunkSunday #DroughtResistantCrops #Beans #Resiliency #FoodSecurity
#NativeSeeds #NativeAmericanFoods #ClimateChangeGardening

#AnasaziBean planting & care

"Looking to grow beautiful, healthy Anasazi beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, support, watering, and harvesting so you can enjoy them as fresh #SnapBeans or fully dried #StorageBeans.

QUICK FACTS

Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Planting: After all danger of frost has passed
Spacing: Sow about 2 in. apart; thin to 4 in. apart
Support: Trellis or fence recommended (vigorous climber)
Harvest (dry beans): When pods are brown and fully dry

ANASAZI BEANS PLANTING & CARE

Anasazi beans are a striking maroon-and-white variety with a sweet, nutty flavour and a hearty texture. They’re excellent in baked beans, Tex-Mex dishes, and alongside rice. They’re also drought-tolerant once established and often cook faster than pinto beans (many cooks find they require less soaking).

With successive plantings, Anasazi beans can be enjoyed as green beans or left to mature for dried beans.

PLANTING

- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant after the risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
- Sow seeds 1–1.5 in. deep, spacing about 2 in. apart.
- Water after planting to settle soil; keep soil lightly moist (not soaked) until germination.
- Thin seedlings to about 4 in. apart once they are established.
- Provide a trellis, fence, or stakes—Anasazi beans are vigorous climbers.
- As vines grow, gently guide them onto the support to encourage upward growth.

CARE TIPS

Watering: Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Support: A trellis improves airflow, keeps pods cleaner, and makes harvesting easier.

Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen. If your soil is poor, add compost before planting or use a light, balanced fertilizer early in growth—avoid heavy nitrogen, which can reduce pod production.

HARVESTING

- For fresh eating (green beans): Harvest pods young and tender.
- For dried beans: Leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and dry.
- Harvest plants or pick pods before prolonged wet weather to reduce mould risk.
- Shell beans and allow them to dry completely before storage.
- Store fully dried beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container."

Source:
https://ttseeds.com/blogs/vegetable-growing/t-and-t-anasazi-beans

#SolarPunkSunday #DroughtResistantCrops #Beans #Resiliency #FoodSecurity
#NativeSeeds #NativeAmericanFoods #ClimateChangeGardening

#AnasaziBean planting & care

"Looking to grow beautiful, healthy Anasazi beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, support, watering, and harvesting so you can enjoy them as fresh #SnapBeans or fully dried #StorageBeans.

QUICK FACTS

Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Planting: After all danger of frost has passed
Spacing: Sow about 2 in. apart; thin to 4 in. apart
Support: Trellis or fence recommended (vigorous climber)
Harvest (dry beans): When pods are brown and fully dry

ANASAZI BEANS PLANTING & CARE

Anasazi beans are a striking maroon-and-white variety with a sweet, nutty flavour and a hearty texture. They’re excellent in baked beans, Tex-Mex dishes, and alongside rice. They’re also drought-tolerant once established and often cook faster than pinto beans (many cooks find they require less soaking).

With successive plantings, Anasazi beans can be enjoyed as green beans or left to mature for dried beans.

PLANTING

- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant after the risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
- Sow seeds 1–1.5 in. deep, spacing about 2 in. apart.
- Water after planting to settle soil; keep soil lightly moist (not soaked) until germination.
- Thin seedlings to about 4 in. apart once they are established.
- Provide a trellis, fence, or stakes—Anasazi beans are vigorous climbers.
- As vines grow, gently guide them onto the support to encourage upward growth.

CARE TIPS

Watering: Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Support: A trellis improves airflow, keeps pods cleaner, and makes harvesting easier.

Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen. If your soil is poor, add compost before planting or use a light, balanced fertilizer early in growth—avoid heavy nitrogen, which can reduce pod production.

HARVESTING

- For fresh eating (green beans): Harvest pods young and tender.
- For dried beans: Leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and dry.
- Harvest plants or pick pods before prolonged wet weather to reduce mould risk.
- Shell beans and allow them to dry completely before storage.
- Store fully dried beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container."

Source:
https://ttseeds.com/blogs/vegetable-growing/t-and-t-anasazi-beans

#SolarPunkSunday #DroughtResistantCrops #Beans #Resiliency #FoodSecurity
#NativeSeeds #NativeAmericanFoods #ClimateChangeGardening

#AnasaziBean planting & care

"Looking to grow beautiful, healthy Anasazi beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, support, watering, and harvesting so you can enjoy them as fresh #SnapBeans or fully dried #StorageBeans.

QUICK FACTS

Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Planting: After all danger of frost has passed
Spacing: Sow about 2 in. apart; thin to 4 in. apart
Support: Trellis or fence recommended (vigorous climber)
Harvest (dry beans): When pods are brown and fully dry

ANASAZI BEANS PLANTING & CARE

Anasazi beans are a striking maroon-and-white variety with a sweet, nutty flavour and a hearty texture. They’re excellent in baked beans, Tex-Mex dishes, and alongside rice. They’re also drought-tolerant once established and often cook faster than pinto beans (many cooks find they require less soaking).

With successive plantings, Anasazi beans can be enjoyed as green beans or left to mature for dried beans.

PLANTING

- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant after the risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
- Sow seeds 1–1.5 in. deep, spacing about 2 in. apart.
- Water after planting to settle soil; keep soil lightly moist (not soaked) until germination.
- Thin seedlings to about 4 in. apart once they are established.
- Provide a trellis, fence, or stakes—Anasazi beans are vigorous climbers.
- As vines grow, gently guide them onto the support to encourage upward growth.

CARE TIPS

Watering: Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Support: A trellis improves airflow, keeps pods cleaner, and makes harvesting easier.

Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen. If your soil is poor, add compost before planting or use a light, balanced fertilizer early in growth—avoid heavy nitrogen, which can reduce pod production.

HARVESTING

- For fresh eating (green beans): Harvest pods young and tender.
- For dried beans: Leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and dry.
- Harvest plants or pick pods before prolonged wet weather to reduce mould risk.
- Shell beans and allow them to dry completely before storage.
- Store fully dried beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container."

Source:
https://ttseeds.com/blogs/vegetable-growing/t-and-t-anasazi-beans

#SolarPunkSunday #DroughtResistantCrops #Beans #Resiliency #FoodSecurity
#NativeSeeds #NativeAmericanFoods #ClimateChangeGardening

#AnasaziBean planting & care

"Looking to grow beautiful, healthy Anasazi beans in your garden? This guide covers planting, support, watering, and harvesting so you can enjoy them as fresh #SnapBeans or fully dried #StorageBeans.

QUICK FACTS

Sun: Full sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Planting: After all danger of frost has passed
Spacing: Sow about 2 in. apart; thin to 4 in. apart
Support: Trellis or fence recommended (vigorous climber)
Harvest (dry beans): When pods are brown and fully dry

ANASAZI BEANS PLANTING & CARE

Anasazi beans are a striking maroon-and-white variety with a sweet, nutty flavour and a hearty texture. They’re excellent in baked beans, Tex-Mex dishes, and alongside rice. They’re also drought-tolerant once established and often cook faster than pinto beans (many cooks find they require less soaking).

With successive plantings, Anasazi beans can be enjoyed as green beans or left to mature for dried beans.

PLANTING

- Choose a location with full sun and well-drained soil.
- Plant after the risk of frost has passed and soil has warmed.
- Sow seeds 1–1.5 in. deep, spacing about 2 in. apart.
- Water after planting to settle soil; keep soil lightly moist (not soaked) until germination.
- Thin seedlings to about 4 in. apart once they are established.
- Provide a trellis, fence, or stakes—Anasazi beans are vigorous climbers.
- As vines grow, gently guide them onto the support to encourage upward growth.

CARE TIPS

Watering: Water deeply 1–2 times per week depending on heat and rainfall. Keep soil evenly moist, but avoid waterlogging.

Support: A trellis improves airflow, keeps pods cleaner, and makes harvesting easier.

Fertilizing: Beans fix their own nitrogen. If your soil is poor, add compost before planting or use a light, balanced fertilizer early in growth—avoid heavy nitrogen, which can reduce pod production.

HARVESTING

- For fresh eating (green beans): Harvest pods young and tender.
- For dried beans: Leave pods on the plant until they turn brown and dry.
- Harvest plants or pick pods before prolonged wet weather to reduce mould risk.
- Shell beans and allow them to dry completely before storage.
- Store fully dried beans in a cool, dry place in an airtight container."

Source:
https://ttseeds.com/blogs/vegetable-growing/t-and-t-anasazi-beans

#SolarPunkSunday #DroughtResistantCrops #Beans #Resiliency #FoodSecurity
#NativeSeeds #NativeAmericanFoods #ClimateChangeGardening

Some good info here... One of the varieties I'm growing this year is the #AnasaziBean -- also known as #AnasaziCaveBeans -- famous for long-lasting storage and being tasty and filling! Black Turtle beans are another favorite! But I have not yet tried Hopi Lima beans. Maybe next year...

6 #DroughtTolerant Dried Bean Varieties for a #ResilientGarden

Build a resilient garden with 6 drought-tolerant dried beans. These varieties thrive in dry conditions, ensuring a reliable, protein-rich harvest.

Learn more:
https://www.farmstandapp.com/224055/6-drought-tolerant-dried-bean-varieties-for-a-resilient-garden/

#SolarPunkSunday #DroughtResistantCrops #Beans #Resiliency #FoodSecurity #NativeSeeds #NativeAmericanFoods #ClimateChangeGardening

Growing #HopiBlueCorn from Bliss Farm

"Welcome to Bliss Farm, where tradition meets sustainable agriculture. Here, we take pride in cultivating Hopi Blue Corn, an ancient variety that’s not only rich in history but also in flavor and nutrients. Whether you're a home gardener or a curious chef, this guide will walk you through how we grow and care for our Hopi Blue Corn and how you can do it too!

We hope you enjoy your corn and remember; 1 SEED HAS THE POTENTIAL OF PRODUCING 100's OF NEW SEEDS!

Why Hopi Blue Corn?

Hopi Blue Corn is more than just a crop; it's a cultural treasure that has been grown by the Hopi people of the American Southwest for centuries. Known for its striking blue color and high nutritional value, this corn is prized for its versatility in the kitchen, from making tortillas to cornmeal, and even for brewing traditional beverages.

Key Benefits:

- Rich in antioxidants: Blue corn has a higher antioxidant content than yellow corn, making it a healthier choice.

- Cultural heritage: You’re growing a piece of history, connecting with ancient traditions.

- Diverse uses: Whether for baking, cooking, or decorative purposes, Hopi Blue Corn is as versatile as it is beautiful.

How We Grow Hopi Blue Corn

At Bliss Farm, we believe in sustainable, organic farming methods to preserve the purity of this heirloom variety. Our growing process is a mix of tradition, respect for nature, and modern agricultural practices.

1. Planting Season

We plant Hopi Blue Corn in late spring, once the soil has warmed up to at least 60°F. Corn is a warm-weather crop, and this variety thrives in sunny, well-drained soil.

2. Soil Preparation

The success of Hopi Blue Corn starts with the soil. We enrich our fields with organic compost and natural fertilizers, ensuring the soil is rich in nutrients. Corn is a heavy feeder, so this step is critical for a successful harvest.

3. Spacing & Planting

Each corn stalk needs space to grow. We plant the seeds in rows 12-18 inches apart with 24 inches between rows. This allows the plants to reach their full potential without competition for sunlight and nutrients.

4. Watering

Hopi Blue Corn is drought-tolerant, a trait that has been passed down through generations. However, in the early stages, we make sure the plants get plenty of water, particularly during germination and pollination. After the corn is established, it can survive on less water than most other varieties.

5. Pollination

Corn is wind-pollinated, so proper spacing is important for effective pollination. At Bliss Farm, we allow nature to take its course, ensuring that our crops benefit from the natural environment around them.

6. Pest Management

We use organic pest control methods, such as introducing beneficial insects and practicing crop rotation. This reduces the need for synthetic chemicals, ensuring that our corn remains as natural as possible.

Harvesting Hopi Blue Corn

After 100-120 days, the corn is ready for harvest. We wait until the kernels are fully mature and the husks have dried. The corn is then carefully hand-harvested and laid out to dry further before it’s ready for use.

How to Grow Hopi Blue Corn in Your Garden

You can easily grow Hopi Blue Corn at home! Here are some tips from our farm to yours:

- Choose a sunny spot: Corn needs at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily to thrive.

- Plant in groups, not rows: This helps with wind pollination.

- Water regularly but don’t overwater: While Hopi Blue Corn is #DroughtResistant, it still needs sufficient water in the early stages.

- Watch for pests: Keep an eye out for #CornEarworms and other common pests. Organic #InsecticidalSoap can help keep them at bay.

- Harvest when dry: Once the husks are brown and dry, your blue corn is ready to pick."

Source:
https://www.blissfarmca.com/education/native-seeds

#SolarPunkSunday #NativeSeeds #HeirloomSeeds #GrowYourOwn #GrowYourOwnFood #GYO #DroughtResistantCrops

Never too late! Reseeding in the Midwest #Seeds #Reseeding #NativeSeeds #Midwest

https://chicago.suntimes.com/environment/2026/03/02/midwest-seed-bank?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=030426%20Morning%20Edition&utm_content=030426%20Morning%20Edition+CID_169d8836b81d43a4d4240907971f5b28&utm_source=cst_campaign_monitor&utm_term=READ%20MORE&tpcc=cst_cm

3rd Annual #SouthGeorgia #SeedSwap

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (11 AM to 2:30 PM)

"2026 is a monumental year... a year to embrace our past, and to cultivate a connection with our agrarian heritage and our community. We’re excited to announce that we will again be hosting the South Georgia Seed Swap at #GeneralCoffeeStatePark! Rain or shine join us February 28th!

Meet at the #RelihanMuseumAndNatureCenter. We encourage all who plan to join us to bring some #NonGMO, #heirloom, or #NativeSeeds to swap with others in attendance. If you have old local varieties we especially hope you'll attend and share!

Presentations on heirloom seeds and seed saving will take place throughout the event. There will be tables, chairs, and plenty of good conversation. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, this is a wonderful learning event.

Admission: FREE
Standard parking fee required
Event Phone: 912-384-7082 "

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralCoffeeSP/photos/3rd-annual-south-georgia-seed-swapsaturday-feb-28-2026-11-am-to-230-pm-2026-is-a/1224502829865083/

#SolarPunkSunday #Georgia #Seedsharing #GrowYourOwn #HeirloomSeeds #NonGMOSeeds #SharingKnowledge #BuildingCommunity

3rd Annual #SouthGeorgia #SeedSwap

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (11 AM to 2:30 PM)

"2026 is a monumental year... a year to embrace our past, and to cultivate a connection with our agrarian heritage and our community. We’re excited to announce that we will again be hosting the South Georgia Seed Swap at #GeneralCoffeeStatePark! Rain or shine join us February 28th!

Meet at the #RelihanMuseumAndNatureCenter. We encourage all who plan to join us to bring some #NonGMO, #heirloom, or #NativeSeeds to swap with others in attendance. If you have old local varieties we especially hope you'll attend and share!

Presentations on heirloom seeds and seed saving will take place throughout the event. There will be tables, chairs, and plenty of good conversation. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, this is a wonderful learning event.

Admission: FREE
Standard parking fee required
Event Phone: 912-384-7082 "

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralCoffeeSP/photos/3rd-annual-south-georgia-seed-swapsaturday-feb-28-2026-11-am-to-230-pm-2026-is-a/1224502829865083/

#SolarPunkSunday #Georgia #Seedsharing #GrowYourOwn #HeirloomSeeds #NonGMOSeeds #SharingKnowledge #BuildingCommunity

3rd Annual #SouthGeorgia #SeedSwap

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (11 AM to 2:30 PM)

"2026 is a monumental year... a year to embrace our past, and to cultivate a connection with our agrarian heritage and our community. We’re excited to announce that we will again be hosting the South Georgia Seed Swap at #GeneralCoffeeStatePark! Rain or shine join us February 28th!

Meet at the #RelihanMuseumAndNatureCenter. We encourage all who plan to join us to bring some #NonGMO, #heirloom, or #NativeSeeds to swap with others in attendance. If you have old local varieties we especially hope you'll attend and share!

Presentations on heirloom seeds and seed saving will take place throughout the event. There will be tables, chairs, and plenty of good conversation. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, this is a wonderful learning event.

Admission: FREE
Standard parking fee required
Event Phone: 912-384-7082 "

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralCoffeeSP/photos/3rd-annual-south-georgia-seed-swapsaturday-feb-28-2026-11-am-to-230-pm-2026-is-a/1224502829865083/

#SolarPunkSunday #Georgia #Seedsharing #GrowYourOwn #HeirloomSeeds #NonGMOSeeds #SharingKnowledge #BuildingCommunity

3rd Annual #SouthGeorgia #SeedSwap

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (11 AM to 2:30 PM)

"2026 is a monumental year... a year to embrace our past, and to cultivate a connection with our agrarian heritage and our community. We’re excited to announce that we will again be hosting the South Georgia Seed Swap at #GeneralCoffeeStatePark! Rain or shine join us February 28th!

Meet at the #RelihanMuseumAndNatureCenter. We encourage all who plan to join us to bring some #NonGMO, #heirloom, or #NativeSeeds to swap with others in attendance. If you have old local varieties we especially hope you'll attend and share!

Presentations on heirloom seeds and seed saving will take place throughout the event. There will be tables, chairs, and plenty of good conversation. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, this is a wonderful learning event.

Admission: FREE
Standard parking fee required
Event Phone: 912-384-7082 "

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralCoffeeSP/photos/3rd-annual-south-georgia-seed-swapsaturday-feb-28-2026-11-am-to-230-pm-2026-is-a/1224502829865083/

#SolarPunkSunday #Georgia #Seedsharing #GrowYourOwn #HeirloomSeeds #NonGMOSeeds #SharingKnowledge #BuildingCommunity

3rd Annual #SouthGeorgia #SeedSwap

Saturday, Feb 28, 2026 (11 AM to 2:30 PM)

"2026 is a monumental year... a year to embrace our past, and to cultivate a connection with our agrarian heritage and our community. We’re excited to announce that we will again be hosting the South Georgia Seed Swap at #GeneralCoffeeStatePark! Rain or shine join us February 28th!

Meet at the #RelihanMuseumAndNatureCenter. We encourage all who plan to join us to bring some #NonGMO, #heirloom, or #NativeSeeds to swap with others in attendance. If you have old local varieties we especially hope you'll attend and share!

Presentations on heirloom seeds and seed saving will take place throughout the event. There will be tables, chairs, and plenty of good conversation. Whether you're an experienced gardener or a novice, this is a wonderful learning event.

Admission: FREE
Standard parking fee required
Event Phone: 912-384-7082 "

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/GeneralCoffeeSP/photos/3rd-annual-south-georgia-seed-swapsaturday-feb-28-2026-11-am-to-230-pm-2026-is-a/1224502829865083/

#SolarPunkSunday #Georgia #Seedsharing #GrowYourOwn #HeirloomSeeds #NonGMOSeeds #SharingKnowledge #BuildingCommunity

Het dorsproces van de Gewone brunel (Prunella vulgaris) in een heel kort filmpje. Van gedroogde plant naar zaadje in 36 seconden. #CruydtHoeck #Dorsen #InheemseBloemen #Bloemzaden #Bloemen #Natuur #Biodiversiteit #NativeSeeds #Biodiversity #Flowers #Seedhead #GewoneBrunel #PrunellaVulgaris

Het dorsproces van de Gewone brunel (Prunella vulgaris) in een heel kort filmpje. Van gedroogde plant naar zaadje in 36 seconden. #CruydtHoeck #Dorsen #InheemseBloemen #Bloemzaden #Bloemen #Natuur #Biodiversiteit #NativeSeeds #Biodiversity #Flowers #Seedhead #GewoneBrunel #PrunellaVulgaris

Farmworkers Heal Climate-Scarred Land With #NativeSeeds

At #California’s #HedgerowFarms, specialists produce seeds to #revegetate burned areas, reestablish #wetlands, and transform drought-prone #farmland

By Caleb Hampton

July 7, 2025

"Quiroz and Gómez are seed-cleaning specialists and field workers at Hedgerow Farms, a native seed farm near the #CentralValley town of #WintersCA. Hedgerow’s collectors gather seeds from native plants in the wild, and field workers grow them out at the 300-acre farm to produce more seeds. This spring, neat rows of #mugwort, #PurpleNeedlegrass, and #CaliforniaPoppies sprouted in the midst of neighboring almond orchards, tomatoes, and alfalfa.

"Government agencies, tribes, and other land managers use the seeds to revegetate #FireRavagedAreas, transform #AbandonedFarmland, reestablish wetlands, and repair other damaged or altered lands, creating environments that support local #ecosystems and #biodiversity.

" 'We’re doing something for the planet,' Quiroz said in Spanish.

"Recreational areas have benefited too: Hedgerow Farms’ #SilverbushLupine grows in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and its #NativeGrasses can be found in the Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area outside Sacramento. The farm also supplies native seeds to seed packet retailers, helping sow #DroughtResistant plants and establish #pollinator habitat in #urban environments.

"Some projects, such as the ongoing restoration of the #KlamathRiverBasin in Oregon and California, involve billions of seeds — from various suppliers, including Hedgerow — spread across thousands of acres. 'Native vegetation is the foundation of a healthy #ecosystem,' the #YurokTribe said in a social media post showing #wildflowers blooming this spring in the scar of a former reservoir.

"After four dams were removed from the #KlamathRiver, the tribe began #revegetating the riverbanks last year, planting species such as #milkweed — a key food source for #MonarchButterflies — that once flourished in the watershed."

Read more:
https://civileats.com/2025/07/07/farmworkers-heal-climate-scarred-land-with-native-seeds/

#SolarPunkSunday #FoodSecurity #RegenerativeAgriculture #Restoration #GardeningForPollinators #RestorativeAgriculture

I posted the whole article because of the paywall. I listened to #EllenMacDonald at the #APCAW conference on #EmeraldAshBorer earlier this week. She and #JohnDaigle of #UMaine were facilitating the workshop. This article contains a lot of the same information I learned at the workshop! Seed banks + teaming up with the Wabanaki peoples - modern technology meets traditional knowledge!

Native seeds preserved, protected to counter surging invasives

Calling all home gardeners and eco enthusiasts! Lend a hand this spring: Assist Wabanaki tribes and scientists fighting to save ash trees or partner up with statewide neighbors through local seed banks.

March 17, 2025

"The sun radiated overhead as Tyler Everett surveyed the green hills of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle.

"Ash trees, mainly brown ash, are cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. However, they’re under threat due to the spread of the emerald ash borer.

"This collective of forest caretakers works together to raise awareness of ash trees’ significance and the efforts, such as seed banking, to conserve them. It continues the work the Brown Ash Taskforce set forth 20 years ago after tribal members detected early signs of the invasive pest.

" 'Emerald ash borer was discovered by basket makers who noticed the trees, whose bark they relied on, looked very unhealthy,' Everett said. 'Our work today still centers around our tribal partners who first sounded the alarm.'

"#APCAW resembles a national movement, the #IndigenousSeedKeepersNetwork, cultivating solidarity within the matrix of regional grassroots seed #sovereignty projects — collecting, growing and sharing #HeirloomSeeds to promote cultural diversity.

"Here’s a look at some of the seed lending and preservation happening here in the Maine, from brown ash to Wabanaki flint corn.

" 'It may be no Doomsday Vault (also known as Svalbard Global Seed Vault),' said Emily Baisden, seed center director at #WildSeedProject. "But we’re doing some great work.'

"So, what’s a seed bank? Picture a temperature-controlled vault with billions of period-sized seeds in foil packets.

"Through storage, the goal is to preserve genetic diversity for future use, protect rare species and develop new crop varieties. Not only do seed banks play a role in food security, but also, at their best, they can restore plant communities after natural disasters like droughts or fires and provide valuable insight on how best to combat environmental stress.

"#SeedBanks operate at the community, national or global level — such as the #PetalmaSeedBank in California, which preserves the region’s agricultural diversity, or the #SvalbardGlobalSeedVault, the global backup for all other seed banks.

"In the far reaches of the Nordic island of Spitsbergen, the aforementioned 'Doomsday Vault' provides the world’s genebank, kept safe in case some catastrophe threatens the planet’s crops. If seed banks are a computer’s filing system, where documents are stored, Svalbard is the external hard drive.

"Enter Maine’s Wild Seed Project, an APCAW partner organization. The group hand collects and distributes 3 million seeds representing over 100 species of Northeast native plants yearly.

" 'Long-term seed banking requires #cryopreservation, akin to flash freezing,' Baisden said. 'It allows seeds to last for decades, if not longer. … We try not to store seeds for more than four years at Wild Seed. We dry them, place them in jars and label them by location. The newest are sold, and the older ones are used in our Seeds for Teachers program.'

"Baisden acknowledged the correlation between landscape management and biodiversity. When native plants disappear, likely through urbanization, the insects that depend on and coevolve with them also decline, as do the animals that rely on those insects (like birds).

" 'Most seeds sold in garden centers are propagated through clonal reproduction,' Baisden said. 'This minimizes genetic diversity, and as we know, #biodiversity is crucial for communal stability.'

"For a long time, the horticulture industry pushed to introduce non-native species that lacked natural predators and could quickly reproduce. Later, when forests were clear-cut in the 1900s, trees like the brown ash fell to the wayside, and non-native vegetation crept in.

" 'Maine, so far, is the only state with non-quarantine habitats free from emerald ash borer,' Baisden said. 'Studying these helps us plan ahead and learn. We hope that by working with #BasketMakers, foresters and scientists, we can store or distribute emerald ash borer–resistant seeds.”

Management shaped by Indigenous wisdom

"The spread of emerald ash borer has already caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in parts of Turtle Island, a small island between Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point.

"As a group committed to science-informed strategies that align with Wabanaki priorities, APCAW has been collecting seeds (viable for up to eight years) from 46 healthy ash trees to store in a refrigerator at the University of Maine in Orono.

"As Everett noted, Indigenous people have long used brown ash as the primary material for #basketry, valuing its soft, splinty texture as ideal for weaving. The brown ash tree is also part of one of the #Abenaki origin stories.

" 'Brown ash was the root from which all #Wabanaki people emerged,' Everett said.

"The species’ decline evokes deep emotion. Recognizing this, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of APCAW outreach and land-management strategies.

"Program registration links are first shared with tribal partners, and they are often invited to co-facilitate or lead the event discussions. Occasionally, exclusive gatherings are held to allow basket weavers to connect in a more intimate setting.

" 'My job is to engage in a dialogue with our tribal partners and address any reactions they have,' Everett said. 'There’s a strong sense of responsibility to save brown ash, but opinions vary. Some hesitate about allowing the seeds to be stored outside the community.'

"Everett is currently drafting a document to serve as a resource for the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, #Mikmaq, #Passamaquoddy and #PenobscotNations. By spring 2026, he hopes to publish a public report acknowledging the priorities of Maine’s #Wabanaki people.

"#EllaMcDonald, a colleague of Everett, has centered her master’s thesis on the effectiveness of APCAW’s outreach efforts in inspiring action that benefits both the Wabanaki people and their native forests’ ecosystems.

" 'Out west, we’ve already seen devastating mortality rates of brown ash,' McDonald said. 'It’s just a matter of time before our situation escalates.'

"The group is focused on a project that will test the resistance of native trees to the emerald ash borer next fall in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. This involves working with private #landowners, who will be asked to grow ash seeds and monitor their growth over time to assess their survival capacity.

"McDonald encouraged readers to get involved. The UMaine website will soon feature a map with priority areas for seed collection and locations where kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up. Those curious can contact [email protected] or sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events.

" 'We are witnessing an unprecedented change,' McDonald said. 'What inspires me is to see groups across sectors working together to prepare. So many people genuinely care about our environment. … Together we can make a difference.'

Get involved

"Wild Seed Project held its first online seed-sowing demonstration in November 2021. Now, it offers a range of in-person programs and community events. Courtesy of Wild Seed Project

"There are a few options to join the movement.

"Locals can donate resources to area seed banks, like the Wild Seed Project, or research projects, like APCAW.

"Or harness the power of the dollar and purchase #NativeSeeds for a #rewilding project or #AbenakiFlintCorn, a product that honors seed keepers of the past and pays royalties to APCAW.

"To get involved through volunteerism, the Wild Seed Project actively seeks #SeedStewards to collect, clean, process and package seeds.

" 'The nonprofit is also building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm, where plants will grow among natural seed banks, along the woodland edge and throughout the farmstead meadow. To donate, visit wildseedproject.com/the-native-seed-center.

Source [paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/17/native-seeds-preserved-protected-to-counter-surging-invasives/

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #NativeAmericanBasketry #Sustainability #IndigenousStewardship #CulturalPreservation #InvasiveSpecies #EAB #PreservingNature #Biodiversity #PreservingTheSacred #PreservingTheForest

I posted the whole article because of the paywall. I listened to #EllenMacDonald at the #APCAW conference on #EmeraldAshBorer earlier this week. She and #JohnDaigle of #UMaine were facilitating the workshop. This article contains a lot of the same information I learned at the workshop! Seed banks + teaming up with the Wabanaki peoples - modern technology meets traditional knowledge!

Native seeds preserved, protected to counter surging invasives

Calling all home gardeners and eco enthusiasts! Lend a hand this spring: Assist Wabanaki tribes and scientists fighting to save ash trees or partner up with statewide neighbors through local seed banks.

March 17, 2025

"The sun radiated overhead as Tyler Everett surveyed the green hills of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle.

"Ash trees, mainly brown ash, are cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. However, they’re under threat due to the spread of the emerald ash borer.

"This collective of forest caretakers works together to raise awareness of ash trees’ significance and the efforts, such as seed banking, to conserve them. It continues the work the Brown Ash Taskforce set forth 20 years ago after tribal members detected early signs of the invasive pest.

" 'Emerald ash borer was discovered by basket makers who noticed the trees, whose bark they relied on, looked very unhealthy,' Everett said. 'Our work today still centers around our tribal partners who first sounded the alarm.'

"#APCAW resembles a national movement, the #IndigenousSeedKeepersNetwork, cultivating solidarity within the matrix of regional grassroots seed #sovereignty projects — collecting, growing and sharing #HeirloomSeeds to promote cultural diversity.

"Here’s a look at some of the seed lending and preservation happening here in the Maine, from brown ash to Wabanaki flint corn.

" 'It may be no Doomsday Vault (also known as Svalbard Global Seed Vault),' said Emily Baisden, seed center director at #WildSeedProject. "But we’re doing some great work.'

"So, what’s a seed bank? Picture a temperature-controlled vault with billions of period-sized seeds in foil packets.

"Through storage, the goal is to preserve genetic diversity for future use, protect rare species and develop new crop varieties. Not only do seed banks play a role in food security, but also, at their best, they can restore plant communities after natural disasters like droughts or fires and provide valuable insight on how best to combat environmental stress.

"#SeedBanks operate at the community, national or global level — such as the #PetalmaSeedBank in California, which preserves the region’s agricultural diversity, or the #SvalbardGlobalSeedVault, the global backup for all other seed banks.

"In the far reaches of the Nordic island of Spitsbergen, the aforementioned 'Doomsday Vault' provides the world’s genebank, kept safe in case some catastrophe threatens the planet’s crops. If seed banks are a computer’s filing system, where documents are stored, Svalbard is the external hard drive.

"Enter Maine’s Wild Seed Project, an APCAW partner organization. The group hand collects and distributes 3 million seeds representing over 100 species of Northeast native plants yearly.

" 'Long-term seed banking requires #cryopreservation, akin to flash freezing,' Baisden said. 'It allows seeds to last for decades, if not longer. … We try not to store seeds for more than four years at Wild Seed. We dry them, place them in jars and label them by location. The newest are sold, and the older ones are used in our Seeds for Teachers program.'

"Baisden acknowledged the correlation between landscape management and biodiversity. When native plants disappear, likely through urbanization, the insects that depend on and coevolve with them also decline, as do the animals that rely on those insects (like birds).

" 'Most seeds sold in garden centers are propagated through clonal reproduction,' Baisden said. 'This minimizes genetic diversity, and as we know, #biodiversity is crucial for communal stability.'

"For a long time, the horticulture industry pushed to introduce non-native species that lacked natural predators and could quickly reproduce. Later, when forests were clear-cut in the 1900s, trees like the brown ash fell to the wayside, and non-native vegetation crept in.

" 'Maine, so far, is the only state with non-quarantine habitats free from emerald ash borer,' Baisden said. 'Studying these helps us plan ahead and learn. We hope that by working with #BasketMakers, foresters and scientists, we can store or distribute emerald ash borer–resistant seeds.”

Management shaped by Indigenous wisdom

"The spread of emerald ash borer has already caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in parts of Turtle Island, a small island between Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point.

"As a group committed to science-informed strategies that align with Wabanaki priorities, APCAW has been collecting seeds (viable for up to eight years) from 46 healthy ash trees to store in a refrigerator at the University of Maine in Orono.

"As Everett noted, Indigenous people have long used brown ash as the primary material for #basketry, valuing its soft, splinty texture as ideal for weaving. The brown ash tree is also part of one of the #Abenaki origin stories.

" 'Brown ash was the root from which all #Wabanaki people emerged,' Everett said.

"The species’ decline evokes deep emotion. Recognizing this, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of APCAW outreach and land-management strategies.

"Program registration links are first shared with tribal partners, and they are often invited to co-facilitate or lead the event discussions. Occasionally, exclusive gatherings are held to allow basket weavers to connect in a more intimate setting.

" 'My job is to engage in a dialogue with our tribal partners and address any reactions they have,' Everett said. 'There’s a strong sense of responsibility to save brown ash, but opinions vary. Some hesitate about allowing the seeds to be stored outside the community.'

"Everett is currently drafting a document to serve as a resource for the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, #Mikmaq, #Passamaquoddy and #PenobscotNations. By spring 2026, he hopes to publish a public report acknowledging the priorities of Maine’s #Wabanaki people.

"#EllaMcDonald, a colleague of Everett, has centered her master’s thesis on the effectiveness of APCAW’s outreach efforts in inspiring action that benefits both the Wabanaki people and their native forests’ ecosystems.

" 'Out west, we’ve already seen devastating mortality rates of brown ash,' McDonald said. 'It’s just a matter of time before our situation escalates.'

"The group is focused on a project that will test the resistance of native trees to the emerald ash borer next fall in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. This involves working with private #landowners, who will be asked to grow ash seeds and monitor their growth over time to assess their survival capacity.

"McDonald encouraged readers to get involved. The UMaine website will soon feature a map with priority areas for seed collection and locations where kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up. Those curious can contact [email protected] or sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events.

" 'We are witnessing an unprecedented change,' McDonald said. 'What inspires me is to see groups across sectors working together to prepare. So many people genuinely care about our environment. … Together we can make a difference.'

Get involved

"Wild Seed Project held its first online seed-sowing demonstration in November 2021. Now, it offers a range of in-person programs and community events. Courtesy of Wild Seed Project

"There are a few options to join the movement.

"Locals can donate resources to area seed banks, like the Wild Seed Project, or research projects, like APCAW.

"Or harness the power of the dollar and purchase #NativeSeeds for a #rewilding project or #AbenakiFlintCorn, a product that honors seed keepers of the past and pays royalties to APCAW.

"To get involved through volunteerism, the Wild Seed Project actively seeks #SeedStewards to collect, clean, process and package seeds.

" 'The nonprofit is also building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm, where plants will grow among natural seed banks, along the woodland edge and throughout the farmstead meadow. To donate, visit wildseedproject.com/the-native-seed-center.

Source [paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/17/native-seeds-preserved-protected-to-counter-surging-invasives/

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #NativeAmericanBasketry #Sustainability #IndigenousStewardship #CulturalPreservation #InvasiveSpecies #EAB #PreservingNature #Biodiversity #PreservingTheSacred #PreservingTheForest

I posted the whole article because of the paywall. I listened to #EllenMacDonald at the #APCAW conference on #EmeraldAshBorer earlier this week. She and #JohnDaigle of #UMaine were facilitating the workshop. This article contains a lot of the same information I learned at the workshop! Seed banks + teaming up with the Wabanaki peoples - modern technology meets traditional knowledge!

Native seeds preserved, protected to counter surging invasives

Calling all home gardeners and eco enthusiasts! Lend a hand this spring: Assist Wabanaki tribes and scientists fighting to save ash trees or partner up with statewide neighbors through local seed banks.

March 17, 2025

"The sun radiated overhead as Tyler Everett surveyed the green hills of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle.

"Ash trees, mainly brown ash, are cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. However, they’re under threat due to the spread of the emerald ash borer.

"This collective of forest caretakers works together to raise awareness of ash trees’ significance and the efforts, such as seed banking, to conserve them. It continues the work the Brown Ash Taskforce set forth 20 years ago after tribal members detected early signs of the invasive pest.

" 'Emerald ash borer was discovered by basket makers who noticed the trees, whose bark they relied on, looked very unhealthy,' Everett said. 'Our work today still centers around our tribal partners who first sounded the alarm.'

"#APCAW resembles a national movement, the #IndigenousSeedKeepersNetwork, cultivating solidarity within the matrix of regional grassroots seed #sovereignty projects — collecting, growing and sharing #HeirloomSeeds to promote cultural diversity.

"Here’s a look at some of the seed lending and preservation happening here in the Maine, from brown ash to Wabanaki flint corn.

" 'It may be no Doomsday Vault (also known as Svalbard Global Seed Vault),' said Emily Baisden, seed center director at #WildSeedProject. "But we’re doing some great work.'

"So, what’s a seed bank? Picture a temperature-controlled vault with billions of period-sized seeds in foil packets.

"Through storage, the goal is to preserve genetic diversity for future use, protect rare species and develop new crop varieties. Not only do seed banks play a role in food security, but also, at their best, they can restore plant communities after natural disasters like droughts or fires and provide valuable insight on how best to combat environmental stress.

"#SeedBanks operate at the community, national or global level — such as the #PetalmaSeedBank in California, which preserves the region’s agricultural diversity, or the #SvalbardGlobalSeedVault, the global backup for all other seed banks.

"In the far reaches of the Nordic island of Spitsbergen, the aforementioned 'Doomsday Vault' provides the world’s genebank, kept safe in case some catastrophe threatens the planet’s crops. If seed banks are a computer’s filing system, where documents are stored, Svalbard is the external hard drive.

"Enter Maine’s Wild Seed Project, an APCAW partner organization. The group hand collects and distributes 3 million seeds representing over 100 species of Northeast native plants yearly.

" 'Long-term seed banking requires #cryopreservation, akin to flash freezing,' Baisden said. 'It allows seeds to last for decades, if not longer. … We try not to store seeds for more than four years at Wild Seed. We dry them, place them in jars and label them by location. The newest are sold, and the older ones are used in our Seeds for Teachers program.'

"Baisden acknowledged the correlation between landscape management and biodiversity. When native plants disappear, likely through urbanization, the insects that depend on and coevolve with them also decline, as do the animals that rely on those insects (like birds).

" 'Most seeds sold in garden centers are propagated through clonal reproduction,' Baisden said. 'This minimizes genetic diversity, and as we know, #biodiversity is crucial for communal stability.'

"For a long time, the horticulture industry pushed to introduce non-native species that lacked natural predators and could quickly reproduce. Later, when forests were clear-cut in the 1900s, trees like the brown ash fell to the wayside, and non-native vegetation crept in.

" 'Maine, so far, is the only state with non-quarantine habitats free from emerald ash borer,' Baisden said. 'Studying these helps us plan ahead and learn. We hope that by working with #BasketMakers, foresters and scientists, we can store or distribute emerald ash borer–resistant seeds.”

Management shaped by Indigenous wisdom

"The spread of emerald ash borer has already caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in parts of Turtle Island, a small island between Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point.

"As a group committed to science-informed strategies that align with Wabanaki priorities, APCAW has been collecting seeds (viable for up to eight years) from 46 healthy ash trees to store in a refrigerator at the University of Maine in Orono.

"As Everett noted, Indigenous people have long used brown ash as the primary material for #basketry, valuing its soft, splinty texture as ideal for weaving. The brown ash tree is also part of one of the #Abenaki origin stories.

" 'Brown ash was the root from which all #Wabanaki people emerged,' Everett said.

"The species’ decline evokes deep emotion. Recognizing this, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of APCAW outreach and land-management strategies.

"Program registration links are first shared with tribal partners, and they are often invited to co-facilitate or lead the event discussions. Occasionally, exclusive gatherings are held to allow basket weavers to connect in a more intimate setting.

" 'My job is to engage in a dialogue with our tribal partners and address any reactions they have,' Everett said. 'There’s a strong sense of responsibility to save brown ash, but opinions vary. Some hesitate about allowing the seeds to be stored outside the community.'

"Everett is currently drafting a document to serve as a resource for the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, #Mikmaq, #Passamaquoddy and #PenobscotNations. By spring 2026, he hopes to publish a public report acknowledging the priorities of Maine’s #Wabanaki people.

"#EllaMcDonald, a colleague of Everett, has centered her master’s thesis on the effectiveness of APCAW’s outreach efforts in inspiring action that benefits both the Wabanaki people and their native forests’ ecosystems.

" 'Out west, we’ve already seen devastating mortality rates of brown ash,' McDonald said. 'It’s just a matter of time before our situation escalates.'

"The group is focused on a project that will test the resistance of native trees to the emerald ash borer next fall in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. This involves working with private #landowners, who will be asked to grow ash seeds and monitor their growth over time to assess their survival capacity.

"McDonald encouraged readers to get involved. The UMaine website will soon feature a map with priority areas for seed collection and locations where kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up. Those curious can contact [email protected] or sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events.

" 'We are witnessing an unprecedented change,' McDonald said. 'What inspires me is to see groups across sectors working together to prepare. So many people genuinely care about our environment. … Together we can make a difference.'

Get involved

"Wild Seed Project held its first online seed-sowing demonstration in November 2021. Now, it offers a range of in-person programs and community events. Courtesy of Wild Seed Project

"There are a few options to join the movement.

"Locals can donate resources to area seed banks, like the Wild Seed Project, or research projects, like APCAW.

"Or harness the power of the dollar and purchase #NativeSeeds for a #rewilding project or #AbenakiFlintCorn, a product that honors seed keepers of the past and pays royalties to APCAW.

"To get involved through volunteerism, the Wild Seed Project actively seeks #SeedStewards to collect, clean, process and package seeds.

" 'The nonprofit is also building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm, where plants will grow among natural seed banks, along the woodland edge and throughout the farmstead meadow. To donate, visit wildseedproject.com/the-native-seed-center.

Source [paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/17/native-seeds-preserved-protected-to-counter-surging-invasives/

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #NativeAmericanBasketry #Sustainability #IndigenousStewardship #CulturalPreservation #InvasiveSpecies #EAB #PreservingNature #Biodiversity #PreservingTheSacred #PreservingTheForest

I posted the whole article because of the paywall. I listened to #EllenMacDonald at the #APCAW conference on #EmeraldAshBorer earlier this week. She and #JohnDaigle of #UMaine were facilitating the workshop. This article contains a lot of the same information I learned at the workshop! Seed banks + teaming up with the Wabanaki peoples - modern technology meets traditional knowledge!

Native seeds preserved, protected to counter surging invasives

Calling all home gardeners and eco enthusiasts! Lend a hand this spring: Assist Wabanaki tribes and scientists fighting to save ash trees or partner up with statewide neighbors through local seed banks.

March 17, 2025

"The sun radiated overhead as Tyler Everett surveyed the green hills of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle.

"Ash trees, mainly brown ash, are cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. However, they’re under threat due to the spread of the emerald ash borer.

"This collective of forest caretakers works together to raise awareness of ash trees’ significance and the efforts, such as seed banking, to conserve them. It continues the work the Brown Ash Taskforce set forth 20 years ago after tribal members detected early signs of the invasive pest.

" 'Emerald ash borer was discovered by basket makers who noticed the trees, whose bark they relied on, looked very unhealthy,' Everett said. 'Our work today still centers around our tribal partners who first sounded the alarm.'

"#APCAW resembles a national movement, the #IndigenousSeedKeepersNetwork, cultivating solidarity within the matrix of regional grassroots seed #sovereignty projects — collecting, growing and sharing #HeirloomSeeds to promote cultural diversity.

"Here’s a look at some of the seed lending and preservation happening here in the Maine, from brown ash to Wabanaki flint corn.

" 'It may be no Doomsday Vault (also known as Svalbard Global Seed Vault),' said Emily Baisden, seed center director at #WildSeedProject. "But we’re doing some great work.'

"So, what’s a seed bank? Picture a temperature-controlled vault with billions of period-sized seeds in foil packets.

"Through storage, the goal is to preserve genetic diversity for future use, protect rare species and develop new crop varieties. Not only do seed banks play a role in food security, but also, at their best, they can restore plant communities after natural disasters like droughts or fires and provide valuable insight on how best to combat environmental stress.

"#SeedBanks operate at the community, national or global level — such as the #PetalmaSeedBank in California, which preserves the region’s agricultural diversity, or the #SvalbardGlobalSeedVault, the global backup for all other seed banks.

"In the far reaches of the Nordic island of Spitsbergen, the aforementioned 'Doomsday Vault' provides the world’s genebank, kept safe in case some catastrophe threatens the planet’s crops. If seed banks are a computer’s filing system, where documents are stored, Svalbard is the external hard drive.

"Enter Maine’s Wild Seed Project, an APCAW partner organization. The group hand collects and distributes 3 million seeds representing over 100 species of Northeast native plants yearly.

" 'Long-term seed banking requires #cryopreservation, akin to flash freezing,' Baisden said. 'It allows seeds to last for decades, if not longer. … We try not to store seeds for more than four years at Wild Seed. We dry them, place them in jars and label them by location. The newest are sold, and the older ones are used in our Seeds for Teachers program.'

"Baisden acknowledged the correlation between landscape management and biodiversity. When native plants disappear, likely through urbanization, the insects that depend on and coevolve with them also decline, as do the animals that rely on those insects (like birds).

" 'Most seeds sold in garden centers are propagated through clonal reproduction,' Baisden said. 'This minimizes genetic diversity, and as we know, #biodiversity is crucial for communal stability.'

"For a long time, the horticulture industry pushed to introduce non-native species that lacked natural predators and could quickly reproduce. Later, when forests were clear-cut in the 1900s, trees like the brown ash fell to the wayside, and non-native vegetation crept in.

" 'Maine, so far, is the only state with non-quarantine habitats free from emerald ash borer,' Baisden said. 'Studying these helps us plan ahead and learn. We hope that by working with #BasketMakers, foresters and scientists, we can store or distribute emerald ash borer–resistant seeds.”

Management shaped by Indigenous wisdom

"The spread of emerald ash borer has already caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in parts of Turtle Island, a small island between Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point.

"As a group committed to science-informed strategies that align with Wabanaki priorities, APCAW has been collecting seeds (viable for up to eight years) from 46 healthy ash trees to store in a refrigerator at the University of Maine in Orono.

"As Everett noted, Indigenous people have long used brown ash as the primary material for #basketry, valuing its soft, splinty texture as ideal for weaving. The brown ash tree is also part of one of the #Abenaki origin stories.

" 'Brown ash was the root from which all #Wabanaki people emerged,' Everett said.

"The species’ decline evokes deep emotion. Recognizing this, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of APCAW outreach and land-management strategies.

"Program registration links are first shared with tribal partners, and they are often invited to co-facilitate or lead the event discussions. Occasionally, exclusive gatherings are held to allow basket weavers to connect in a more intimate setting.

" 'My job is to engage in a dialogue with our tribal partners and address any reactions they have,' Everett said. 'There’s a strong sense of responsibility to save brown ash, but opinions vary. Some hesitate about allowing the seeds to be stored outside the community.'

"Everett is currently drafting a document to serve as a resource for the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, #Mikmaq, #Passamaquoddy and #PenobscotNations. By spring 2026, he hopes to publish a public report acknowledging the priorities of Maine’s #Wabanaki people.

"#EllaMcDonald, a colleague of Everett, has centered her master’s thesis on the effectiveness of APCAW’s outreach efforts in inspiring action that benefits both the Wabanaki people and their native forests’ ecosystems.

" 'Out west, we’ve already seen devastating mortality rates of brown ash,' McDonald said. 'It’s just a matter of time before our situation escalates.'

"The group is focused on a project that will test the resistance of native trees to the emerald ash borer next fall in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. This involves working with private #landowners, who will be asked to grow ash seeds and monitor their growth over time to assess their survival capacity.

"McDonald encouraged readers to get involved. The UMaine website will soon feature a map with priority areas for seed collection and locations where kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up. Those curious can contact [email protected] or sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events.

" 'We are witnessing an unprecedented change,' McDonald said. 'What inspires me is to see groups across sectors working together to prepare. So many people genuinely care about our environment. … Together we can make a difference.'

Get involved

"Wild Seed Project held its first online seed-sowing demonstration in November 2021. Now, it offers a range of in-person programs and community events. Courtesy of Wild Seed Project

"There are a few options to join the movement.

"Locals can donate resources to area seed banks, like the Wild Seed Project, or research projects, like APCAW.

"Or harness the power of the dollar and purchase #NativeSeeds for a #rewilding project or #AbenakiFlintCorn, a product that honors seed keepers of the past and pays royalties to APCAW.

"To get involved through volunteerism, the Wild Seed Project actively seeks #SeedStewards to collect, clean, process and package seeds.

" 'The nonprofit is also building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm, where plants will grow among natural seed banks, along the woodland edge and throughout the farmstead meadow. To donate, visit wildseedproject.com/the-native-seed-center.

Source [paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/17/native-seeds-preserved-protected-to-counter-surging-invasives/

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #NativeAmericanBasketry #Sustainability #IndigenousStewardship #CulturalPreservation #InvasiveSpecies #EAB #PreservingNature #Biodiversity #PreservingTheSacred #PreservingTheForest

I posted the whole article because of the paywall. I listened to #EllenMacDonald at the #APCAW conference on #EmeraldAshBorer earlier this week. She and #JohnDaigle of #UMaine were facilitating the workshop. This article contains a lot of the same information I learned at the workshop! Seed banks + teaming up with the Wabanaki peoples - modern technology meets traditional knowledge!

Native seeds preserved, protected to counter surging invasives

Calling all home gardeners and eco enthusiasts! Lend a hand this spring: Assist Wabanaki tribes and scientists fighting to save ash trees or partner up with statewide neighbors through local seed banks.

March 17, 2025

"The sun radiated overhead as Tyler Everett surveyed the green hills of the Mi’kmaq Nation in Presque Isle.

"Ash trees, mainly brown ash, are cultural keystone species for Wabanaki communities and wetland ecosystems in the Northeast. However, they’re under threat due to the spread of the emerald ash borer.

"This collective of forest caretakers works together to raise awareness of ash trees’ significance and the efforts, such as seed banking, to conserve them. It continues the work the Brown Ash Taskforce set forth 20 years ago after tribal members detected early signs of the invasive pest.

" 'Emerald ash borer was discovered by basket makers who noticed the trees, whose bark they relied on, looked very unhealthy,' Everett said. 'Our work today still centers around our tribal partners who first sounded the alarm.'

"#APCAW resembles a national movement, the #IndigenousSeedKeepersNetwork, cultivating solidarity within the matrix of regional grassroots seed #sovereignty projects — collecting, growing and sharing #HeirloomSeeds to promote cultural diversity.

"Here’s a look at some of the seed lending and preservation happening here in the Maine, from brown ash to Wabanaki flint corn.

" 'It may be no Doomsday Vault (also known as Svalbard Global Seed Vault),' said Emily Baisden, seed center director at #WildSeedProject. "But we’re doing some great work.'

"So, what’s a seed bank? Picture a temperature-controlled vault with billions of period-sized seeds in foil packets.

"Through storage, the goal is to preserve genetic diversity for future use, protect rare species and develop new crop varieties. Not only do seed banks play a role in food security, but also, at their best, they can restore plant communities after natural disasters like droughts or fires and provide valuable insight on how best to combat environmental stress.

"#SeedBanks operate at the community, national or global level — such as the #PetalmaSeedBank in California, which preserves the region’s agricultural diversity, or the #SvalbardGlobalSeedVault, the global backup for all other seed banks.

"In the far reaches of the Nordic island of Spitsbergen, the aforementioned 'Doomsday Vault' provides the world’s genebank, kept safe in case some catastrophe threatens the planet’s crops. If seed banks are a computer’s filing system, where documents are stored, Svalbard is the external hard drive.

"Enter Maine’s Wild Seed Project, an APCAW partner organization. The group hand collects and distributes 3 million seeds representing over 100 species of Northeast native plants yearly.

" 'Long-term seed banking requires #cryopreservation, akin to flash freezing,' Baisden said. 'It allows seeds to last for decades, if not longer. … We try not to store seeds for more than four years at Wild Seed. We dry them, place them in jars and label them by location. The newest are sold, and the older ones are used in our Seeds for Teachers program.'

"Baisden acknowledged the correlation between landscape management and biodiversity. When native plants disappear, likely through urbanization, the insects that depend on and coevolve with them also decline, as do the animals that rely on those insects (like birds).

" 'Most seeds sold in garden centers are propagated through clonal reproduction,' Baisden said. 'This minimizes genetic diversity, and as we know, #biodiversity is crucial for communal stability.'

"For a long time, the horticulture industry pushed to introduce non-native species that lacked natural predators and could quickly reproduce. Later, when forests were clear-cut in the 1900s, trees like the brown ash fell to the wayside, and non-native vegetation crept in.

" 'Maine, so far, is the only state with non-quarantine habitats free from emerald ash borer,' Baisden said. 'Studying these helps us plan ahead and learn. We hope that by working with #BasketMakers, foresters and scientists, we can store or distribute emerald ash borer–resistant seeds.”

Management shaped by Indigenous wisdom

"The spread of emerald ash borer has already caused 99% brown ash tree mortality in parts of Turtle Island, a small island between Mount Desert Island and Schoodic Point.

"As a group committed to science-informed strategies that align with Wabanaki priorities, APCAW has been collecting seeds (viable for up to eight years) from 46 healthy ash trees to store in a refrigerator at the University of Maine in Orono.

"As Everett noted, Indigenous people have long used brown ash as the primary material for #basketry, valuing its soft, splinty texture as ideal for weaving. The brown ash tree is also part of one of the #Abenaki origin stories.

" 'Brown ash was the root from which all #Wabanaki people emerged,' Everett said.

"The species’ decline evokes deep emotion. Recognizing this, Indigenous communities are at the forefront of APCAW outreach and land-management strategies.

"Program registration links are first shared with tribal partners, and they are often invited to co-facilitate or lead the event discussions. Occasionally, exclusive gatherings are held to allow basket weavers to connect in a more intimate setting.

" 'My job is to engage in a dialogue with our tribal partners and address any reactions they have,' Everett said. 'There’s a strong sense of responsibility to save brown ash, but opinions vary. Some hesitate about allowing the seeds to be stored outside the community.'

"Everett is currently drafting a document to serve as a resource for the #HoultonBand of #Maliseet Indians, #Mikmaq, #Passamaquoddy and #PenobscotNations. By spring 2026, he hopes to publish a public report acknowledging the priorities of Maine’s #Wabanaki people.

"#EllaMcDonald, a colleague of Everett, has centered her master’s thesis on the effectiveness of APCAW’s outreach efforts in inspiring action that benefits both the Wabanaki people and their native forests’ ecosystems.

" 'Out west, we’ve already seen devastating mortality rates of brown ash,' McDonald said. 'It’s just a matter of time before our situation escalates.'

"The group is focused on a project that will test the resistance of native trees to the emerald ash borer next fall in collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service. This involves working with private #landowners, who will be asked to grow ash seeds and monitor their growth over time to assess their survival capacity.

"McDonald encouraged readers to get involved. The UMaine website will soon feature a map with priority areas for seed collection and locations where kits with all the necessary materials can be picked up. Those curious can contact [email protected] or sign up for the newsletter to receive updates on upcoming events.

" 'We are witnessing an unprecedented change,' McDonald said. 'What inspires me is to see groups across sectors working together to prepare. So many people genuinely care about our environment. … Together we can make a difference.'

Get involved

"Wild Seed Project held its first online seed-sowing demonstration in November 2021. Now, it offers a range of in-person programs and community events. Courtesy of Wild Seed Project

"There are a few options to join the movement.

"Locals can donate resources to area seed banks, like the Wild Seed Project, or research projects, like APCAW.

"Or harness the power of the dollar and purchase #NativeSeeds for a #rewilding project or #AbenakiFlintCorn, a product that honors seed keepers of the past and pays royalties to APCAW.

"To get involved through volunteerism, the Wild Seed Project actively seeks #SeedStewards to collect, clean, process and package seeds.

" 'The nonprofit is also building a first-of-its-kind Native Seed Center at Cape Elizabeth Land Trust’s Turkey Hill Farm, where plants will grow among natural seed banks, along the woodland edge and throughout the farmstead meadow. To donate, visit wildseedproject.com/the-native-seed-center.

Source [paywall]:
https://www.pressherald.com/2025/03/17/native-seeds-preserved-protected-to-counter-surging-invasives/

#SolarPunkSunday #TraditionalEcologicalKnowledge #NativeAmericanBasketry #Sustainability #IndigenousStewardship #CulturalPreservation #InvasiveSpecies #EAB #PreservingNature #Biodiversity #PreservingTheSacred #PreservingTheForest

De glitterende zaadjes van de Gulden sleutelbloem (Primula veris). Met video. #GuldenSleutelbloem #Glinster #Glitter #CruydtHoeck #Zadenschonen #InheemseBloemen #FlowerSeeds #Seedhead #Flowers #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity #NativeSeeds

De glitterende zaadjes van de Gulden sleutelbloem (Primula veris). Met video. #GuldenSleutelbloem #Glinster #Glitter #CruydtHoeck #Zadenschonen #InheemseBloemen #FlowerSeeds #Seedhead #Flowers #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity #NativeSeeds

De glitterende zaadjes van de Gulden sleutelbloem (Primula veris). Met video. #GuldenSleutelbloem #Glinster #Glitter #CruydtHoeck #Zadenschonen #InheemseBloemen #FlowerSeeds #Seedhead #Flowers #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity #NativeSeeds

De glitterende zaadjes van de Gulden sleutelbloem (Primula veris). Met video. #GuldenSleutelbloem #Glinster #Glitter #CruydtHoeck #Zadenschonen #InheemseBloemen #FlowerSeeds #Seedhead #Flowers #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity #NativeSeeds

#California: ‘Seeking seed donations': The #Altadena #SeedLibrary looks ahead to #regrowth

Story by Alysia Gray Painter, January 13, 2025

"Following the Jan. 7 fire that swept through the city, growers and gardening groups are beginning to think about what is next, groups that include the Altadena Seed Library.

"This community is enormously dedicated to native plants, but also had many farmers and growers who lost generations of crops at community gardens and in backyards.

"#Wildlife coming down from the foothills has lost habitat and food. the air quality will be poor and temperatures will be higher without the lush greenery that protected us. not to mention the vast natural spaces that have burned and may benefit from help #reseeding.

"If you have seeds to spare — particularly native plants — please send a message. please share widely.

"Monetary donations are also requested, if you are able to donate.

"Seeds may be sent to 37 Auburn Ave. #8, Sierra Madre, CA 91024 c/o Altadena Seed Library."

Source:
https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/tripideas/seeking-seed-donations-the-altadena-seed-library-looks-ahead-to-regrowth/ar-BB1rscpJ

Altadena Seed Library IG:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DEtvdpixEw2/
#AltadenaFires #CaliforniaFires #Reseeding #SolarPunkSunday #NativePlants #NativeSeeds #SeedLibrary #SeedSharing #Gardening

Close up van de zaden van de Kleine leeuwentand (Leontodon saxatilis). De zaden hebben als ze geoogst worden eerst nog een pluisje. Met een borstelmachine halen we deze eraf omdat het zaadje dan beter door de schoningsmachines gaat. De derde foto heeft het uiteinde van een paperclip als schaal. #Bloemzaden #Inheems #CruydtHoeck #Zadennerd #Seedhead #KleineLeeuwentand #LeontodonSaxatilis #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity #NativeSeeds

Close up van de zaden van de Kleine leeuwentand (Leontodon saxatilis). De zaden hebben als ze geoogst worden eerst nog een pluisje. Met een borstelmachine halen we deze eraf omdat het zaadje dan beter door de schoningsmachines gaat. De derde foto heeft het uiteinde van een paperclip als schaal. #Bloemzaden #Inheems #CruydtHoeck #Zadennerd #Seedhead #KleineLeeuwentand #LeontodonSaxatilis #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity #NativeSeeds

Close up van de gewone veldbies (Luzula campestris) Alsof er een vingerafdruk op het zaadje zit. Dat metalen dingetje is het uiteinde van een paperclip als schaal vergelijking. #GewoneVeldbies #LuzulaCampestris #Inheems #CloseUp #Natuur #CruydtHoeck #Biodiversiteit #Nature #NativeSeeds #Zadennerd #Seedhead

Close up van de gewone veldbies (Luzula campestris) Alsof er een vingerafdruk op het zaadje zit. Dat metalen dingetje is het uiteinde van een paperclip als schaal vergelijking. #GewoneVeldbies #LuzulaCampestris #Inheems #CloseUp #Natuur #CruydtHoeck #Biodiversiteit #Nature #NativeSeeds #Zadennerd #Seedhead

Net vogel eitjes. Close up van de zaden van de Lotus corniculatus oftewel de gewone rolklaver. #Bloemzaden #Inheems #LotusCorniculatus #GewoneRolklaver #CruydtHoeck #Zadennerd #Seedhead #NativeSeeds #Flowerseeds #Nature #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity

Net vogel eitjes. Close up van de zaden van de Lotus corniculatus oftewel de gewone rolklaver. #Bloemzaden #Inheems #LotusCorniculatus #GewoneRolklaver #CruydtHoeck #Zadennerd #Seedhead #NativeSeeds #Flowerseeds #Nature #Biodiversiteit #Biodiversity

Back to plants....McCargo established #WildSeedProject https://shop.wildseedproject.net in 2014 to teach people to appreciate & grow native plant species helping to restore some of New England's lost biodiversity. Today WSP has a nascent horticultural center in Cape Elizabeth MA. Through its online store the group offers seeds for more than 90 plant species native to Northeast. https://downeast.com/land-wildlife/this-woman-wants-to-destroy-your-lawn/ #biodiversity #nativeplants Leave the Leaves! #nativeseeds #birds #bees #butterflies no #lawns #BuySeeds