Do you rely on getting seeds or starts from a nursery? Are the seeds you are planting adapting to our changing climate and to your preferences? Learn the ancient practice of saving seeds.

Over 94% of the seed commercially available 100 years ago is gone. The loss of genetic diversity and the current model of breeding for uniformity makes our food system much more susceptible to shocks from pests and diseases to severe weather events due to climate change. This class focuses on food crops. Help create a local seed shed in our community and be part of the solution.

Instructors:

Julia Dakin is a farmer and seed activist in Mendocino County, California. She has been involved in agriculture for most of her life, and has devoted the past few years to growing market crops and teaching the benefits of seed saving, local adaptation, and genetic diversity. She is also on the organizing committee for the Seed Library Network.

Rebecca Newburn is a prominent advocate for seed conservation and community engagement, having played a pivotal role in the growth and popularization of seed libraries. Co-founder of the Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library and Founder of the Seed Library Network, Rebecca has been instrumental in creating a resilient and replicable model for seed libraries across the globe. Through her initiatives, she's championed the importance of preserving plant biodiversity, promoting sustainable agricultural practices, and fostering community collaboration.

Special thanks to the Experimental Farm Network! The Experimental Farm Network is a hub for learning about adaptive gardening, connecting with other growers, and for accessing amazing, genetically diverse seeds so that you and your community can develop place-based, climate adapted seeds.

We are committed to offering our classes for free and appreciate the Experimental Farm Network’s generous support to continue to make our resources accessible.

What will you save?

Seed Saving in a Time of Change

Ancient Practice for Modern Times