Healthy Ecosystems. Healthy Community.
BLOOMFIELD NATIVE SEED + PLANT BANK
A Project of Community Care
When nature thrives, we thrive.
Critical for happy and healthy communities is access and a connection to nature. Everyone benefits from and deserves to be within a healthy ecosystem.
We are a part of nature- and when we learn to live in a way that is connected to nature and be a part of it, rather than outside of it or dominating it- the benefits are endless.
Our community requires healthy ecosystems to provide us and protect our environmental health- from clean water and air, food quality and safety, sustainable resources, and green spaces. And vice versa: healthy ecosystems require community wide efforts of stewardship and finds strength in numbers. Ecosystems are not tiny disjointed bubbles- by their very definition, they require connectivity across large spaces to function properly and safely.
Protecting intact ecosystems and rebuilding healthy ones in our own towns and homes have impacts that ripple out. Our actions locally have major implications globally as we work as a community to build resilience against climate destruction. Our relationship to nature is a symbiotic one:
She needs us just as much as we need Her.
The Bloomfield Native Seed Bank was established to help Bloomfield community members do our part!
What We Do
We may be limited to our own little ‘sphere of influence’- whether that spaces is big or small- but we can do a lot with a little when it comes to native plant habitats. One of the many things we can do to become stewards of our own environment and build climate resilience for our community is to cultivate and support native habitats using native plants.
The Bloomfield Native Seed Bank provides community members with access to free seeds (and sometimes seedlings) for plants which are native to Connecticut and our eco region. These plants are the most beneficial species and are the most crucial plants for a healthy ecosystem. In addition to free seeds and plants, I provide education and guidance about native plants and practices for ecological and sustainable gardens/yards/homes if you need help getting started and I provide the experience of coming to see the plants in my ecological gardens and collect seeds. Whether you’re just a community member wanting to get started or your want to bring your kids to learn with you for the experience- it’s a beautiful, impactful time for all!
There shouldn’t be a cost requirement gatekeeping access to eco-friendly gardening or participating in stewardship work. My mission in establishing the BNSB is to:
support my community members in becoming stewards of our environment;
to build and rebuild a healthy ecosystem locally in order to build climate resilience for our town;
and to support a vibrant, healthy community which is empowered and connected to nature.
I do this by removing barriers and providing access to free education and seeds.
How It Works
A note: My hope is to eventually be able to serve a much wider area as this mutual aid project grows and create networks within each town and or even regionally. But only in my second year as this grows, currently in order to access free materials and services you must be a resident of Bloomfield, CT. If you are a resident of a neighboring area you may book a paid sanctuary tour, workshop, educational or consultation service and seed collecting experience. If you need help with financial access, please reach out so we can find an equitable access point for you.
For your Free Seeds + Education:
Contact me using the form below to request seeds, a seed collecting or educational experience. Seedlings are available throughout summer and seed collecting is a fall activity. I’m always happy to talk plants and sustainable garden and yard guidance though!
Provide your information including where in town you live
We’ll set up a time for you to come collect!
What is asked of you in return:
Plant your seeds and once you successfully have your own native plants growing: as soon as you have established plants spreading/seedlings/seeds, offer + share plants and seeds to your neighbors and friends. Share what you’ve learned about the native plants + ecological gardening with your community members and help others get started. Basically- share the care!
Remove invasive species wherever possible from your sphere of influence and do not plant any invasive species
Avoid broad spraying pesticides as it will kill the ecology that your native habitats are attracting!
