Natural Connections January
Join us at the Library for one or all of the events, see below for schedule and program details.
Celebrate National Seed Swap Day with the Sandpoint Library during the Natural Connections event 10-4 PM. Join fellow gardeners in the countdown to spring by participating in our seed swap and grand re-opening of the seed library. The seed swap is free and open to everyone. You can bring seeds to exchange or just take seeds. We want to celebrate the community and encourage everyone to share in our passion for gardening and saving seeds.
Here is our schedule for the day:
10 AM: Saving Seeds: From Backyards to Seed Banks
Stories have always been an important part of Seed Savers Exchange’s (SSE) preservation work. Stories connect us in human experiences and are one way that culture and histories are shared. SSE also deeply values working with partners in a model of participatory preservation. Learn more about the seed bank collection at SSE and ways you can engage in seed preservation too. Together, we cultivate the next generation of seed stewards. (The presenter will be joining us live via Zoom.)
About the presenter:
Sara Straate is a Seed Historian at Seed Savers Exchange. Seed Savers Exchange was founded in Missouri in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy. Diane and Kent went on to form a network of gardeners, now called The Exchange, interested in preserving heirloom varieties and bolstering biodiversity. These dedicated gardeners shared their own heirloom seeds and donated seeds to the Seed Savers Exchange collection. The collection grew steadily over several decades, and today SSE houses the nation’s largest nongovernmental seed bank of its kind (some 20,000 varieties) at Heritage Farm, 890 scenic acres in Winneshiek County, Iowa. They not only safeguard these varieties for generations to come but also encourage gardeners and farmers worldwide to grow, harvest, and share heirloom seeds as well as recount the inspirational stories behind them. They also educate gardeners on gardening and the time-honored and critical practice of seed saving.
11 AM: Spring is Near – Gather your seeds and plan your garden!
Learn all about seeds, how to source them, and how to plan for an abundant garden. Prepare for a bountiful spring with an in-depth class on seed selection, garden planning, and the most effective techniques for starting your seeds. In this session, we’ll explore how to source the highest-quality seeds, design a garden layout that works for you, and enhance your soil naturally. You’ll also learn expert tips for starting seeds indoors, transplanting, and directly sowing outdoors. Start planning now to ensure a vibrant and fruitful summer garden!
About the presenter:
Emily LeVine has owned and operated Red Wheelbarrow Produce, an all-natural vegetable farm in the Selle Valley, since 2009.
1 PM: The Blessing of Bitters – Why You Should Embrace the Bite
This talk dives into the surprising power of bitters—nature’s secret weapon for better digestion, balanced energy, and emotional grounding. Discover how embracing this bold flavor can transform your health and reignite your vitality. Are you ready to tap into one of the most overlooked yet transformative aspects of wellness? Join us for a hands-on workshop that blends practical herbal wisdom with a fun, interactive experience. You’ll leave feeling inspired, informed, and equipped to start using bitters in your daily life. All materials will be provided.
About the presenter:
Jennifer Steinbachs (Syringa Wellness) is a naturopathic practitioner specializing in holistic health and empowering individuals to reclaim their vitality through personalized care. With years of experience blending science-based insights with traditional herbal wisdom, she has a passion for making natural wellness accessible, practical, and downright fun. Known for her approachable teaching style, she’ll guide you through the fascinating world of bitters with a mix of expertise, humor, and actionable tips you can use right away.
3 PM: Maple Tapping in the Pacific Northwest
Yes, you can tap maple trees for maple syrup in North Idaho! Come get the equipment and information you need to tap maple trees near you. This free demonstration is designed to educate landowners and hobby producers about maple sap collection techniques and syrup production technology. It also provides an opportunity to educate the next generation about maple tree tapping for syrup production. Free maple tapping kits will be available.
About the presenter:
David Knudson, owner of Montana MapleWorks in Missoula, MT, brings extensive experience in tapping various maple species, including boxelder, Norway maple, red maple, silver maple, and sugar maple for syrup production. His passion lies in sharing his expertise in maple tapping techniques and syrup production technology. Over the years, he has conducted numerous workshops, field days, and presentations to educate landowners, hobby producers, and the younger generation about innovative maple sap collection methods and syrup production advancements.
