Learn why libraries should think about native seeds, and how they can put it into practice. This course is for library staff.

Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bringing-native-seeds-into-the-seed-library-movement-tickets-733538091177

Workshop fee is waived, this event is sponsored by Regenerate Grey Bruce.

Why Native Seeds?

Biodiversity gives strength to our ecosystems. Native plants form the basis to our ecology, by creating shelter and providing food vital for insects, butterflies, birds, and mammals - among so many other benefits. Many citizens already work toward overcoming the competition for land between humans and natural ecosystems ("land sparing"), and instead foster ecological abundance on lands used by humans ("land sharing"). Urban gardening with native plants is a crucial component to land sharing, such that humans and the natural world can thrive together, and our biological diversity and living abundance is preserved for future generations.

Workshop Summary

Native plants are increasingly popular, and libraries are perfectly positioned to promote and popularize native seeds. With the skills of categorization and documentation, libraries can build on existing seed initiatives. By supporting the collecting, storing, and dispensing of native seeds to our communities, they offer yet another essential local service.

But bringing these into the public poses two challenges: (1) Access to seeds, and (2) seed stratification. Regenerate Grey Bruce is bringing together a community around seed collection, which would be the basis for seed libraries. However, before spring planting, seeds need to be stratified - that means we "trick" seeds into believing they overwintered outdoors. Come learn about why native seeds and libraries are exactly what our chaotic climate needs right now.

• Location: Owen Sound & North Grey Library
• Time: 10 am - 1 pm
• Dates: Friday, November 17th
• Cost: Free

Lecturer: Anna King

Targeted Audience

The workshop is directed to library staff (or associated volunteers) who want to learn more about seed savings and the need for seed libraries. Your involvement in potential April seed events is an excellent preparation for this workshop!

About Anna King

Anna is an ecological restoration consultant, farmer and contract nursery grower at The Greenery Ecological Farm & Native Plant Nursery outside of Owen Sound, Ontario. With over 20 years of experience working with the land, plants and communities, Anna has extensive seed collection and plant propagation experience in planning & growing for various re-vegetative projects.

Convener: Regenerate Grey Bruce

Supported by the Greenbelt Foundation, Regenerate Grey Bruce (RGB) explores opportunities to establish a narrative for living landscapes. Each person has a personal role in the regeneration of living landscapes, both in their professional and private realms of life. With this workshop, RGB invites librarians to learn about native plants, seeds, and their role in living landscapes.