Terrifically Two

A look back at our roots and how
we’ve seeded change
in our first two years.

I learned about seed libraries in March 2020 when daily life changed remarkably due to the pandemic. I was on a search for sources of organic seeds and stumbled upon the Richmond Grows Seed Lending Library online. I was astounded that there existed such a resource and quickly learned that seed libraries are an activation of the commons, with seeds central to their commonwealth, and reciprocity and community as their core values.

I was sure we’d have a seed library in our abundant, agriculturally based county, but quickly found we didn’t. Crisis met opportunity, so my daughter Lavender and I aligned inspiration and action to establish the Napa County Seed Library as a nonprofit organization and announced our intentions via YouTube. My partner Jeff designed and built the North Napa seed library annex from repurposed materials and installed it in August, and by September the Napa Valley Register covered our origin story.

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The Napa County Seed Library is a 501(c)(3) private foundation with a mission to grow, save, and share locally adapted, organic seeds to benefit the people of Napa County.

We save and share seeds to strengthen biological cycles, cultivate appreciation for the gifts of the plant world, and spread the abundance surrounding us. We’re one of about 600 seed libraries established worldwide that empowers plant lovers to practice this time-honored tradition. Our network of seed library annexes offers free, organic seeds year-round.

Our nonprofit led is by a mother and daughter team of African, Indigenous, and Russian heritage — a rare leadership among charitable organizations in our county. Our annual activities are supported by enthusiastic volunteers who share our love of seeds and community.

Our approach is motivated by regenerative practices, self-sufficiency, and participatory adaptation to our changing climate. We believe seed saving fosters well-being and resiliency. Our shared knowledge and resources can support health, diversity, and abundance, weaved together with care by our connection to seeds and their ecologies.

Seeds are the renewable resource—the “currency”—at the heart of our mission. We freely share organic seeds, seed saving skills, culinary traditions, and our cultural heritage to inspire and nurture lasting and valuable exchanges with you.

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Now that you know a bit about how what got us here and why we’re passionate about the seed library movement, here’s how we’ve positively impacted our community since we began in March 2020.

🌱 We raised a over $6,600 during Napa Valley CanDo’s Give!Guide campaign. The Napa Valley Give!Guide’s 10th anniversary year—our first—was memorable and inspiring and we’re grateful for your support to seed the future in 2023.

🌱 We established four seed library annexes to provide free, organic seeds year-round, encouraging first-time gardeners and those who have limited access to organic seeds.

🌱 I grew and harvested 22 pounds of organic, locally adapted blue corn as part of the Organic Seed Alliance’s 2022 cohort to learn and demonstrate methods of their Organic Seed Production course and explore maize’s cultural origins, local legacy, as well as my own Indigenous connection to this life-giving seed.

🌱 We distributed over 1,000 seed packets and hundreds of plants starts each year, inspiring new and experienced gardeners to try new varieties and save seeds for successive growing seasons.

🌱 We created seed packets for 800 "Grow-Your-Own" garden kits in partnership with the Napa Valley Young Farmers & Ranchers, Napa Mutual Aid, Napa Boys & Girls Club, and Long Meadow Ranch Farm.

🌱 We created over 40 teaching videos about basic gardening and seed saving skills on our YouTube channel.

🌱 We hosted two group tours of the garden at Hudson Ranch & Vineyards led by Mr. Leonardo Ureña, who is a veteran production manager and prize-winning giant pumpkin grower.

🌱 Lavender appeared on Napa's local radio show “What’s Kool for Kids" to tell our story in our first year.

🌱 I gave five presentations to private and nonprofit organizations to spread our message and teach seed saving skills in our second year.

🌱 We wrote four articles for the Napa County Register to raise awareness about seed libraries and the gratifying benefits of saving seeds.

Our seeds bring forth a child’s first radish, a rare bloom, a healing herb, a time-honored heirloom, enthusiasm for fresh produce at the home table, and lots more. The wonder, confidence and joy infused in these experiences are priceless and inspiring. I’ve witnessed it firsthand, time and again.

💖 If you’ve been inspired to contribute to our seed saving project, thank you for your support. Your kindness grows happy, healthy lives—one seed at a time.

♻️ If you benefited from our seed shares, remember to give back to fortify the commons and our shared assets.

Together, we‘re making our Napa County a healthier, happier, more regenerative place for us all.