Have you ever wondered what it takes to start a seed library? Did you know there’s a national Seed Library Network that has everything you need to know to get started? In this second post in our ongoing series of nonprofit organizations, we introduce you to the Seed Library Network, whose work aligns with the Wild Ones mission to promote native landscapes through education, advocacy and collaborative action, and our vision of native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community.
Seed Library Network – We all have the power to GROW!
The Seed Library Network, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, is “a project of Empowerment Works, a social change organization advancing a whole system approach to a sustainable world.” Dedicated to supporting communities to steward their seeds and our connection to each other and the food that nurtures us, they provide an online resource hub that offers a variety of resources, everything you need from starting to maintaining a seed library. Seed libraries can vary from community to community, but the basic idea is that seeds are made available to the community for free.
Their mission: Cultivating Community Seed Libraries and Seed Sovereignty.
Their vision: A robust seed library in every community that is accessible to all and that honors the wisdom of the seeds and their keepers.
Get on the Map
Our Seed Library Collaborations
Over the past two years, Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay has helped start four seed libraries in Southern Maryland. In 2024, we collaborated with the St. Mary’s County Public Libraries to open three seed libraries, appropriately named S.E.E.D.S. (Seed Endowment for Education, Discovery, and Sustainability), one in each of their branches in Charlotte Hall, Leonardtown, and Lexington Park.
And in 2025, we collaborated with the College of Southern Maryland on opening their first seed library, The Seedbox, at their La Plata Campus.
All four seed libraries are registered with the Seed Library Network and have robust websites. Contact information for each seed library is listed below. They are happy to answer your questions.
S.E.E.D.S. – email Nicole Hance at [email protected]
The Seedbox – email Maddie Kaba [email protected]
Recent Webinar
The Seed Library Network recently hosted a virtual conference titled “Getting Started”. Participants were introduced to starting a seed library of their own through presentations given by guest speakers who shared their experiences.
Links to Aly, Rebecca, and Marie-eve’s slides
Resources
The Seed Library Network website if full of information, including:
- Create a Seed Library
- Special Types of Seed Libraries
- Maintaining a Seed Library
- Seed Saving
- Special Projects
- Conferences
Questions?
If you have questions for the Seed Library Network, you can reach out to them at [email protected]
Or sign up for their newsletter, Cool Beans, here.
Image Source: Native Seed Libraries – Seed Library Network
Wild Ones Chesapeake Bay is deeply rooted in native plants and cultivating partnerships, while striving to educate, advocate, and collaborate to connect people and native plants for a healthy planet. Our vision is native plants and natural landscapes thriving in every community. Check out our Events page, Google calendar, Facebook, and/or Instagram for our upcoming events. And don’t forget to subscribe to our new YouTube channel and email subscriber list!
