Conference and Campout July 17-19!


A reminder that the 2009 Seed Savers Conference and Campout will be July 17-19 at Seed Savers’ Heritage Farm. The keynote speaker will be Eliot Coleman, the author of several books on gardening, including the newly published “The Winter Harvest Handbook.” Coleman will be joined by his wife Barbara Damrosch, a weekly columnist for the Washington Post who writes the popular “A Cook’s Garden” column. Also speaking at the conference will be Mike McGrath, the host of National Public Radio’s “You Bet Your Garden”. The three speakers are sure to inspire us, one and all. We’ll begin with a special reception Friday evening followed by a panel discussion on the future of local food systems. Magpie Café will provide a light dinner for purchase.

There will be even more special workshops this year during the day Saturday and Sunday. Here’s just a sampling:

  • Mike McGrath's popular sessions on "Ornamental and Edible: Kitchen Gardening A to Z" and "The Seven Secrets of Successful Organic Gardeners"
  • Special workshop presentations by Eliot Coleman and Barbara Damrosch
  • "Before They Were Heirlooms: The Origins of Garlic and Carrots," a presentation by Phil Simon, PhD., University of Wisconsin
  • Heritage Poultry
  • Orchard topics with Dan Bussey, SSE advisor and apple guru
  • "Heirloom Literature -- and Why It's So Important" with rare book expert and Board Member Keith Crotz
  • "How To Start Saving Seeds -- and the Best Way To Store Them" (because so many new members have asked), with our horticultural experts
  • "Becoming a Listed Member" -- Some of those who have been involved as our treasured "listed members" will explain why it's so necessary, not so difficult, and can be so much fun!

Of course, there will be all of the usual fun, with the yearly seed swap; tours of the Isolation Gardens, root cellar, greenhouses and seed houses by our knowledgeable staff; book signings; nature walks; good local food and pancake breakfast; and the rompin’, stompin’ barn dance with Erik Sessions and friends. And local venders will be selling products on Saturday morning.

New this year - kids activities. While you attend the conference, students K-8 can participate for free in our
Dig & Discover program! Your child will explore Heritage Farm on an adventure scavenger hunt; find out how the four B’s - bees, butterflies, birds and bugs - help in the garden; they will learn the stories behind heritage seeds, and create a garden t-shirt to take home. For more information about Dig & Discover, contact Shannon Carmody.

So sign up now! You can download the registration brochure at www.seedsavers.org or call us at (563) 382-5990. A limited number of student and beginning farmer scholarships are available for the conference. Contact George DeVault.