Meet Chris and Marilyn - They started the Cleveland Seed Bank

Chris & Marilyn, SSE Camp-out and Conference, 2015

Do you ever wonder if your donation is really making a difference? Meet Marilyn and Chris- they are living proof of your support being put to work.

Three years ago, Seed Savers Exchange Members Marilyn and Chris started the Cleveland Seed Bank. They have started six seed libraries, with a 7th opening next spring.

What’s a seed library? “It’s a place where people can (get) seeds, drop off seeds, check out seeds...it’s kind of the library model where you check them out, grow them out, save some seeds, and return them the next year to the seed library,” explained Chris.

Hundreds have used the seed check out system, as well as their online seed exchange. Marilyn continued, “It really brings seed saving into the hands of the people...we’re really celebrating the cultural heritage of Clevelanders, through seed.”

"We came to Seed Savers Exchange 3 or 4 years ago, and they have been our mentors. They absolutely helped us, every step of the way, to start the Cleveland Seed Bank, and initiate seed libraries throughout Cleveland."

Thanks to donors like you, Marilyn and Chris were provided mentorship and guidance on how to start their own community seed bank. You are helping preserve the cultural food heritage of fellow seed savers and are empowering communities to grow, save, and share heirloom varieties.

You have the power to do more. Help members like Marilyn and Chris by making a gift today!

Seed Savers Exchange is a non-profit organization located in Decorah, Iowa, with a mission to conserve and promote America's culturally diverse but endangered garden and food crop heritage for future generations by collecting, growing, and sharing heirloom seeds and plants.