Soil is a dynamic and complex system which provides important ecosystem services and functions. Soil supports the growth of plants and acts as a habitat for microbes and microorganisms. It is a critical component of Earth's hydrological and nutrient systems. Soil aids in the decomposition of organic matter and also acts as a detoxicant and a filtration system. Climate, biotic factors, topography, parent material, physical and chemical weathering, and time contribute to the dynamic nature of soil.Soil is a marvel, one we get to the opportunity to contend with each time we step into our gardens.

Take a peek into the work that goes into regenerating seeds from our seed bank and learn how you can help. 

Meet Michelle, an active CSRP (Community Seed Resource Program) member, who is bringing seed saving and swapping to life in her Wisconsin community.

John Withee’s bean collection of 1,186 varieties started with a bean hole.

Throughout his childhood, Friday afternoons consisted of John and his family digging a hole, building a fire in that hole, and lowering a pot of beans into it.  They placed hot coals and earth over the pot and filled the hole.  The following Saturday night the family dug up the pot and ate the beans. John was one of six kids in a poor family that lived off of beans – and luckily for him, John loved beans

What do the Santa Barbara Zoo in Southern California, the Menominee County Library in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the 100-year-old Acequia Sancochada in Dixon, New Mexico have in common? They’re all saving seeds.