SEED LIBRARY: “Saving Seeds Event” in Review

As we move toward our ultimate goal of creating a Seed Library at Salmon Public Library we began with a simple, yet energized Seed Saving Class put on by a lovely volunteer by the name of Denise Durocher. I contacted Denise through both her most excellent son Christian (who volunteers with us teach TILT on Friday’s at 11-1pm) about potentially sharing her extensive knowledge on Saving Seeds. To which she happily agreed this would be a great use of her time and helping to contribute to the overall success of creating a more robust local food system.

The turnout was full of energized, passionate, inquisitive community members who took the opportunity to ask Master Gardner Denise as many questions as time allotted, to which Denise without hesitation answered thoroughly, honestly, and with a smile. It was exactly the type of crowd I would have hoped to show up to an event such as this, ones that actively want to see a Seed Library created, ones that will actively participate in the process of taking, growing, and saving to help bolster a hearty varietal that not only brings greater diversity of food to our area but works within the adaptation of Salmon’s often harsh growing season.

The result of a successful class is one that doesn’t leave. Even after the presentation, discussion was illuminated and electrified amongst members of the community to which perhaps some were meeting for the first time. What can we do? How can we help? A sharing of knowledge to what they already successfully do, leaving me with the hope that we can do this. Salmon can be different then all the other communities to whose Seed Libraries have ultimately failed. We have the power. And when we share seed we are in control.

A big thank you to Denise Durocher for sharing her Seed Saving knowledge with the group. We’re all looking forward to the next event that furthers our education on why seeds are important and why we should all participate in the process of helping Salmon Public Library create a successful launch to the Seed Library.