Seed Stewards prepare for the grand opening of the Los Alamos Community Seed Library, from left, Ame Mashburn, KokHeong McNaughton, Jane Riese, Alison Grieggs and Barbara Mann. Courtesy//Eva Jacobson

By LIZ MARTINEAU
Steering Committee Member
Los Alamos Community Seed Library 

If you tried to purchase seeds during the 2020 pandemic, then you are probably aware that there has been a resurgence in gardening.

It was about this same time, a group of people from different Los Alamos organizations began talking about the possibility of starting a seed library as a way of sharing seeds. But, just like growing a garden, new ideas require more than talk. 

A collaboration was formed, with PEEC and Los Alamos County Libraries taking significant roles in organizing the group of volunteers. Despite a steep learning curve and some bumps in the road, the group developed a name and a mission: Los Alamos Community Seed Library cultivates a community culture of life-long learning and sharing through seed stewardship. They are guided by three principles: saving, sharing, and learning in an effort to develop an accessible and sustainable source of locally adapted seeds that contribute to the biodiversity of our area.

Along the way, the seed project is supporting a community culture of sharing with friends, neighbors, newcomers, and strangers. Working together we can make our community a place where not only plants, but also people, can thrive. And that is the power of seeds.

The success of this venture depends on generosity. Everyone is welcome to contribute to the Los Alamos Community Seed Library! You may save seeds from your own gardens, donate seeds and envelopes, help package seeds, donate money through the Friends of the Library, and check out seeds. 

The community is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and reception for the new Seed Library at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 25 inside Mesa Public Library. Ten golden tickets will be awarded to lucky attendees, who will then be the first people allowed to check out seeds! 

Oppie inspects the old card catalog that will hold the Los Alamos Community Seed Library. Fun fact: His wife, Kitty, had a degree in Botany and enjoyed growing orchids. Courtesy/Liz Martineau