The Chieftains Museum/Major Ridge Home is hosting the 13th annual Floyd County Seed Swap from 1- 3 p.m. on Feb. 15.
The Seed Swap is co-sponsored by the Berry College Agricultural Biodiversity Conservation Project and Department of Environmental Science, the Floyd County Master Gardener Extension Volunteers and the Davies Shelters Farm Program. Berry Associate Professor of Environmental Science and Studies Brian Campbell will present the basics of seed-saving and agricultural biodiversity conservation at 1 p.m. and the seed swapping will take place from 2 - 3 p.m. Campbell, Berry students, and Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions.
The purpose of the Seed Swap is to encourage the production and protection of heirloom seeds and plant varieties that are at risk of being lost, to provide a sustainable and diverse landscape in the community. Seed saving was particularly important to Cherokees like Major Ridge in order to sustain his family through the winter months and provide crops for the spring and summer.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own open-pollinated/heirloom seeds, plant cuttings, seedlings, saplings or other gardening-related items such as implements, seed packets or scionwood to share/trade with other guests.
Chieftains Museum will be open for a Family Free Day in conjunction with the Seed Swap. Visitors can tour the museum. For more information, contact the museum at (762) 327-6124 or visit www.chieftainsmuseum.org.
